Cole Palmer shows true colours with Chelsea message as Enzo Maresca makes Liverpool point

Cole Palmer has shared some words of wisdom following Chelsea's clash against Crystal Palace. The 23-year-old attacking midfielder didn't have the desired impact at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as the Blues were held to a goalless draw by Oliver Glasner's side.

Eberechi Eze thought he had broken the deadlock inside the opening quarter of an hour, smashing a free-kick from just outside the box past Robert Sanchez. Fortunately for the west Londoners, the goal was ruled out after the Video Assistant Referee sent Darren England to the pitch-side monitor.

Marc Guehi was within one metre of the Chelsea wall before the shot had been taken after barging into Moises Caicedo. The Blues enjoyed the lion's share of possession for the remainder of the clash, squandering a few gilt-edged opportunities.

In the final moments, a particularly good chance fell to Andrey Santos, who sprayed his effort into the stands. Expecting a pass, Palmer fell to the floor in a heap in frustration as the ball flew over the bar.

After the game, Palmer recollected his thoughts and uploaded a post to his Instagram story. Showing his true colours as a leader and a mature professional, the Chelsea talisman wrote: "Marathon not a sprint... Good to be back tho."

Speaking to reporters after the game, Maresca reflected on his side's performance. The Blues boss said: "We always try to win the game. Unfortunately, we didn't win, but I think overall we deserve [to win].

"We created enough chances between the first-half and second-half. Apart from the free-kick where the goal was disallowed, I don't think we conceded chances.

"But at the same time, we know how tough they are, how well organised they are. And this is the reason why they beat Liverpool and won the last two finals."

Maresca added: "I think we had some chances at the end with Estevao, with Andrey Santos. So that showed that probably we compete overall quite good.

"For sure, they already played, I think, seven, eight games [in pre-season]. And for us, last week we played two games, but we tried to share minutes. So the real game for us was today. But for sure, slowly, slowly we're going to be better."

On finding a cutting edge, Maresca said: "I said many times that I don't think about June or May, the title, or when the season will finish. I always try to speak or try to think about the next one, the next game. So for me, it's about Friday's game, no more than that."

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