Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers Spark Goal Rivalry at Chelsea, Says Carlton Cole
Chelsea’s squad features a budding internal goal rivalry between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers, says former Blues striker Carlton Cole. The two teammates, reunited after their time together at Manchester City, are pushing each other on the pitch in the 2026-27 season.
Goal and Assist Stats This Season
- Cole Palmer: 4 goals, 2 assists in 7 matches
- Morgan Rogers: 3 goals, 4 assists in 7 matches
Palmer recently withdrew from England’s squad after initially being recalled by Thomas Tuchel following his World Cup omission. Meanwhile, Rogers remains involved with the Three Lions setup. Though Rogers edges ahead in total contributions so far, Palmer is aiming to match the impressive 25 goal contributions he made during his debut season at Chelsea, which earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
A Promising Playmaking Duo
Chelsea relies heavily on these two No.10s to lead its attack, especially as defensive weaknesses persist. With Brazilian striker Joao Pedro spearheading the frontline, both Palmer and Rogers must keep scoring to help the team gain valuable points in the Premier League and domestic cups.
The pair's creative skills put them alongside other top playmakers in world football such as Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from clubs like Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Cole Comments on the Duo’s Dynamic
“Their forward line is formidable. It’s probably one of the best in the Premier League if you’re looking at it man-for-man on paper,” said Carlton Cole in partnership with LiveScore Bet. “Morgan came in, a Chelsea fan since childhood, playing alongside his mate Cole Palmer. They’ve grown up knowing each other and understand each other's game.”
“You can see the camaraderie and banter between them, which spreads through the group, making everyone feel comfortable. Off the field they joke, but on the field, they’re competing to create and score goals. That friendly competition will push both this season.”
“In one cup game against Leeds, Rogers assisted four goals while Palmer scored twice. There was playful frustration over who got man of the match. That kind of banter is great for team spirit and shows the players have character and are happy.”
“But it’s not their fault Chelsea keeps conceding goals. They can only do their job, and sometimes they won’t succeed. If goals aren’t coming and the defense leaks, their jobs come under scrutiny too. It’s not just about scoring; there has to be balance. I hope they fix the defense soon or it could hurt the team mood.”
Chelsea’s Current Form and Upcoming Fixture
Chelsea has struggled lately, failing to win in their last three Premier League games, earning only one point while conceding seven goals. Their next match is at home against AFC Bournemouth on October 10, 2026. Manager Xabi Alonso will look to Palmer and Rogers to inspire the side once again.
This ongoing "competition" between the two creatives is seen as positive, expected to bring out their best performances moving forward.
