Chelsea remain in the top 3 of the Premier League even without Cole Palmer.
After 11 rounds, Chelsea are in third place with 20 points, having lost only two games despite Cole Palmer having played only three. Coach Enzo Maresca said he is close to returning after the FIFA Days.
Despite the absence of Cole Palmer for much of the opening period, Chelsea still climbed to third place after 11 Premier League rounds with 20 points and only two defeats. This is one point better than the same period last season, reinforcing the feeling that The Blues are heading in the right direction under manager Enzo Maresca.
| Index | Value |
|---|---|
| Position after 11 rounds | 3 |
| Point | 20 |
| Number of losses | 2 |
| Cole Palmer makes his Premier League debut. | 3 matches |
| Palmer after 11 rounds last season | 7 goals, 5 assists |
Chelsea are without Cole Palmer but still maintain a competitive pace.
Compared to a year ago — when Maresca had just taken over and the team was still struggling after two seasons finishing 12th and then 6th respectively — the current picture is clearly more positive. This is noteworthy because Palmer, the attacking powerhouse last season with 7 goals and 5 assists in just 11 rounds and named in the FIFPRO World XI, has only played 3 Premier League games this season due to injury.
Three factors contribute to stability.
Chelsea's appeal stems from a synergy: new signings have proven effective, manager Maresca has gained another year of Premier League experience, and the young players have matured. The result is a style of play that relies less on individual brilliance and more on a clear collective structure and stable rhythm.
Squad depth amidst a packed schedule
Notably, Chelsea have maintained their form despite simultaneously competing in the Champions League. This reflects improved squad depth. The gap with league leaders Arsenal is now significantly smaller than the gap they were behind Liverpool at the same stage last season, demonstrating that the positive trajectory is being sustained.
Christmas lessons and differences this season
Last season, Chelsea finished second at Christmas before faltering at the start of the new year. This time, even without their key attacking player, they are demonstrating a more varied approach to the goal and are not reliant on a single source of creativity.
Waiting for Palmer to return.
Manager Maresca confirmed Palmer will soon return after the international break. This is a positive sign as Chelsea enter a hectic fixture schedule at the end of the year. The Blues of the 2025/26 season are a more mature and resilient version; Palmer's absence recently has been a test of the team's depth and adaptability.
Impact on the Premier League race
If Chelsea can maintain their winning momentum even without their most important player, they have grounds to dream bigger when Palmer returns. In the context of the fierce Premier League race, they are quietly consolidating their position as a genuine title contender this season.
