Cole Palmer's ongoing struggle to find the back of the net continued during Chelsea's 1-0 victory over Leicester City, where he notably missed a penalty for the first time in his Premier League career. Despite battling a fever and diarrhea that caused him to miss training just before the match, Palmer insisted on playing, demonstrating his commitment to the team. However, his performance was underwhelming, as he failed to convert a penalty in the 22nd minute, which could have ended his eight-game goal drought.

Palmer's confidence appears to be waning, especially after a promising previous season where he scored 26 goals and provided 13 assists, making him the top performer in the Premier League during that time. The missed penalty against Leicester, saved by goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, was particularly disappointing, as Palmer had previously been flawless from the spot, scoring all 12 of his attempts. Analysts noted that his decision to prioritize power over placement in the penalty could reflect his current lack of confidence.

Despite his barren run of nine matches without a goal, Palmer remains Chelsea's leading scorer in the Premier League this season, with 14 goals. However, his creative output has diminished, with a decline in the chances he’s creating per game. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged the challenges Palmer faced due to his recent illness but expressed optimism about his dedication to helping the team achieve Champions League qualification. As Chelsea gears up for crucial fixtures against top teams like Arsenal and Liverpool, the pressure is on Palmer to rediscover his scoring touch.