Cole Palmer has enjoyed a bright start at Chelsea since joining from Man City (Picture: Getty)
Paul Merson has compared Cole Palmer to Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp and has made a bold prediction for Tottenham’s clash against Chelsea.
Palmer, who swapped Manchester City for Stamford Bridge this summer in a £42.5m deal, has made nine appearances for the Blues thus far, registering two goals and three assists in what has been a bright start for him in west London.
The 21-year-old Englishman, who can be deployed as an attacking midfielder or as a right winger, particularly impressed in the 2-2 draw against Merson’s former club Arsenal on October 21 as well as in the 2-0 defeat to Brentford last week.
‘When [Chelsea] face teams who don’t give them any space, they’ve only got Cole Palmer who can break anybody down,’ Merson told Sky Sports.
‘He was outstanding the other day [against Brentford]. He was like the Dennis Bergkamp of Arsenal for Chelsea, the amount of opportunities he made.’
Palmer will be hoping to make an impact again when Mauricio Pochettino’s team travel to Tottenham on Monday night.
Merson is backing the Blues to pull off a shock result against Spurs, who are top of the Premier League after a flying start under Ange Postecoglou.
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‘Against both Liverpool and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were the better side in both games,’ Merson added. ‘Both teams had a go at Chelsea and that’s why I feel the trip to Tottenham could be perfect for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
‘It’s game on for the Blues on Monday night. There is no question that Spurs will have a go at Chelsea.
‘The way they are playing and sitting top of the league, they have no choice but to try and continue in the same vein they have in the opening 10 matches of the season. However, that plays into Chelsea’s hands.
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‘Nicolas Jackson is getting a bit of stick at the moment but he’s quick and a threat on the counter. The you’ve got Raheem Sterling on the wing.
‘He was brilliant against Arsenal and if he can reach that level again, he’ll cause Spurs problems on the break. Cole Palmer brings the guile and he was different class in the first half against Brentford.
‘Chelsea will be able to give this game a real go. I’d be shocked if Chelsea lost at Spurs.’
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