"It wasn’t perfect, but he did a job" - Frank Leboeuf hits back at critics over Chelsea star's display against Arsenal

Former Chelsea centre-back Frank Lebeouf defended current Blues superstar Cole Palmer's performance in his side's 1-1 draw against Arsenal in the Premier League (November 20). While the Frenchman recognized that the 22-year-old's display wasn't 'perfect', he insisted it was 'harsh' to criticize him.

Palmer's only shot on target was a third-minute strike, which was saved by Gunners' shot-stopper David Raya. He took three free-kicks, with one sailing over the bar and two getting blocked by the wall.

He completed 23 of his 30 passes (77%), created just one chance, completed just one dribble out of four (25%) and won just three out of his nine duels (33%) (Stats via FotMob). By his own lofty standards, showcased by his seven goals and five assists this season (13 games), it was a very ordinary display.

Subsequently, Palmer received a lot of flak from fans and media, with many criticizing his sub-par offensive output. However, Lebeouf spoke out in defense of the attacker, saying that he played the role that he was supposed to.

Talking to ESPN, the 56-year-old said (via The Chelsea Chronicle):

"Yeah, it's harder against Arsenal, City or Liverpool, and that's absolutely normal. And maybe one day he (Palmer) is going to step up and be better and capable of dealing with two defenders or better defenders than he has normally playing for the teams, but it's a little bit harsh to say that he wasn't good today."

"Yes, against Liverpool he wasn't there, it was more for me an accident, but today, I am sorry, he did a job, it wasn't perfect, but he did a job," Lebeouf added.

Up next, Palmer will be seen in action in Chelsea's upcoming Premier League fixture against Leicester City (November 23).

"He has to mature his football a little bit more" - Frank Lebeouf delivers opinion on Cole Palmer's Chelsea tenure thus far

Ex-France international Frank Lebeouf has claimed that Chelsea star Cole Palmer has to 'mature his football' to deliver more consistent performances.

Palmer moved from boyhood club Manchester City to Chelsea for a reported €47 million in the summer of 2023. He had an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, bagging 25 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances in his debut season (2023-24).

He has carried his form into the 2024-25 campaign, with seven goals and five assists in 13 appearances. Yet, his under-par performances against EPL juggernauts like Liverpool (2-1 loss) and Arsenal (1-1 draw) have drawn criticism from pundits and fans alike.

In a conversation with ESPN, Lebeouf added his views on the subject. He claimed that the 22-year-old needs to bring some more calmness and maturity into his game to improve his decision-making.

The 56-year-old said (via The Chelsea Chronicle):

"Don't forget Cole Palmer is just a brand new player. He has been there for a year, and before he wasn't even playing for Manchester City. So he has to mature his football a little bit more in order to know exactly what to do... We can see that every time he touches the ball, something is happening."

Chelsea currently sit third in the EPL table, with 19 points after 11 games (five wins, four draws, two losses).