Match Coverage

Gary Neville reveals what Mikel Arteta did that completely shut down Cole Palmer during Arsenal vs Chelsea

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Arsenal have beaten Chelsea 2-1 in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta’s side were made to work really hard by the Blues, but goals from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber sealed the game for the Gunners.

Chelsea’s biggest threat is usually Cole Palmer, and Liam Rosenior would’ve hoped that his star man would cause Arsenal problems.

However, he couldn’t do much at the Emirates, and Gary Neville believes Arteta’s plan for him was the reason why.

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Gary Neville highlights Mikel Arteta’s tactical adjustment that shut down Cole Palmer

Palmer has never beaten Arsenal in his career.

The England international is definitely an elite talent, and when he is at his best, he has the ability to cause problems for any side, including the Premier League leaders.

Palmer started on the left wing on Sunday, but he drifted inwards to get on the ball and affect the game. That, however, did not work.

Neville, who was commentating alongside Peter Drury, spotted what the Arsenal manager did that gave the former Manchester City man no hope.

“Chelsea are struggling to get the ball into Palmer’s feet now. Arteta has adjusted, and Gabriel and Saliba are following the Chelsea forward,” Neville said on Sky Sports.

William Saliba pulls Cole Palmer back as he tries to get away with the ball during Arsenal vs Chelsea
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

The Manchester United legend has often got things wrong while commenting on Arsenal games, but his assessment of Palmer was spot on.

The Chelsea star had just 39 touches of the ball, completed zero dribbles and lost the ball eight times.

Sofascore gave Palmer a 6.3 rating for his performance against Arsenal – no Chelsea player got a lower score at the Emirates.

As for the Gunners, they have re-established their five-point lead at the top of the table and remain the favourites to win the Premier League.