A disagreement erupted in Chelsea's 6-0 demolition of Everton between Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke about who should take a penalty awarded in the 64th minute. This incident overshadowed the win for many.
Chelsea's emphatic 6-0 win over Everton on Monday night was marred by a bizarre argument over who should take a penalty.
Despite dominating the match and scoring six goals, a disagreement erupted between Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke about who should take a penalty awarded in the 64th minute. This incident overshadowed the win for many.
However, Cole Palmer, the designated penalty taker, has put his foot down to end the debate.
Refusing to let the argument disrupt the flow of the game, Palmer stepped in and forcefully asserted his position as the designated penalty taker.
He successfully converted the spot kick, scoring his fourth goal of the night and taking his tally to 20 goals for the season - same number as Manchester City's Erling Haaland.
It won't happen again - Cole Palmer on penalty row
In a post-match interview with NBC Sports, Palmer confirmed his role as the designated penalty taker, putting an end to any further confusion.
"Everyone wants to score, especially the attackers. It's nothing, we have spoken about it, we have brushed it under the carpet.
"I think it just shows the mentality of the players, they want to take it, but the gaffer has told us, it's been brushed aside and I'm sure it won't happen again.
Pressed on whether he was Chelsea's first-choice to take penalties, Palmer then replied: 'Well, I am now, yes," he confirmed.
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‘We cannot behave like this’ – Pochettino rebukes Madueke and Jackson over penalty feud
The Chelsea head coach reprimanded the pair for their embarrassing altercation over who got to take a spot kick against Everton.
It's a shame - Pochettino reacts
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino made it clear after the match that Palmer is the undisputed penalty taker. This public statement was likely prompted by the earlier on-field squabble.
Pochettino said in his press conference, "First of all, I want to tell you to make clear that they know, the players know, the staff know, the club know, that the taker on penalties is Cole Palmer.
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The Argentine is said to be scheduled for talks with the higher-ups in West London.
"It is a shame. I am so, so upset about this situation. We are talking in the dressing room about the image that we sent because this is Monday night football and in every single country they were watching the game.
"We cannot send this type of image. It is a shame and I want to apologize to football people and our fans because that is unacceptable."