On Tuesday night, Chelsea secured an impressive 4-0 victory over Southampton, leaving fans and pundits buzzing about the performance.
The Blues easily dispatched the Saints, who are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, with goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Levi Colwill, and Marc Cucurella.
Neto and Colwill Spark Debate with Their Celebrations
However, it wasn’t just the scoreline that grabbed attention.
After their goals, both Pedro Neto and Levi Colwill made a similar celebration, performing a “talking” gesture with their hands.
While the gesture seemed to signify a response to external criticism, former footballer Tim Sherwood wasn’t impressed.
Sherwood, speaking on Premier League Productions, took aim at the Chelsea players’ actions, saying, “I don’t know what the celebration was all about.
They should just focus on playing the game and winning, instead of worrying about what others are saying.”
Sherwood emphasized that Chelsea players, especially with their recent struggles and significant investment in new signings, should ignore external pressure and focus on the task at hand.
Neto Shines Despite Criticism
Despite Sherwood’s criticism of his celebration, Neto’s performance on the field was much more positive.
The winger, who has faced difficulties since moving to Chelsea, was given a rare start up front due to the club’s ongoing injury issues.
Neto made the most of the opportunity, scoring an impressive goal that helped seal the victory.
Sherwood praised Neto for his direct play, powerful shot, and overall improvement in recent matches, stating, “He’s stepping up and becoming a real threat. He could play for most top teams.”
Cole Palmer Opens Up About His Struggles
While the win was a confident one for Chelsea, not all players were content with their performances.
Cole Palmer, who has been a key player for the Blues since his £42.5 million move from Manchester City in 2023, opened up about his recent struggles.
The 22-year-old winger has failed to score or provide an assist in his last seven games for Chelsea.
Following the Southampton match, Palmer shared a photo of himself looking a bit downhearted on the pitch, with the caption, “Well done lads +3. Don’t worry, I will be back.”
Though Palmer has been in great form since joining the club, it appears he’s experiencing his first slump.
Fans will be hoping that this is just a temporary dip and that he’ll find his rhythm again soon.
Looking Ahead: Chelsea’s Future Challenges
While Chelsea’s dominant win over Southampton was a welcome one, the celebrations and individual player struggles highlight the ongoing challenges at the club.
With high expectations following their hefty investment in new players, Chelsea will need to keep improving if they want to meet those demands.
The focus now will be on maintaining momentum and overcoming personal and collective obstacles as the season progresses.