How Palmer and Gallagher are forming the perfect partnership

Two hardworking young English talents have fast become integral to Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI.

There has been a visible improvement in Chelsea’s play during October, having scored eight goals in their last three matches.

At the heart of that upturn in form are Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher, who have both elevated performance levels with their combined industry and quality on the ball.

In what should be a competitive west London derby at home to Brentford on Saturday, this vibrant duo will be key.

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Defending from the front

Manchester City and Arsenal are the only two Premier League teams to have faced fewer shots than the Blues in open play (66) after nine matches.

Pochettino’s sound organisation and high application levels from his players when pressing in advanced areas have helped them defend from the front very effectively.

Chelsea's total of 95 high turnovers is the third-highest in the division, with the endeavour of players such as Palmer and Gallagher making a real difference.

Former Man City youngster Palmer is superb at closing down opponents. Both he and Gallagher pressurise defenders on a regular basis.

Top Chelsea pressures 2023/24

Sprinting with intensity at the right times, they do not let rival players settle, and this is one of the reasons why Pochettino pushes Gallagher on from central midfield when Chelsea are out of possession.

The 23-year-old England international covers 11.5km per match, the highest of any team-mate, so he can handle that extra responsibility.

Possession won in final third 2023/24

They may not have as many opportunities to earn turnovers in advanced areas against a Brentford side who will be less inclined than Arsenal to take risks inside their own defensive third.

But when situations arise that afford Chelsea the chance to steal the ball high, they will look to maximise them.

Palmer almost scored after cutting out David Raya’s attempted pass to Declan Rice in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Moments like this explain why Palmer has pleased his new head coach.

It was a surprise to see Gallagher and Palmer selected as twin "false nines" against Arsenal in an unusual striker-less formation.

But together they worked exceptionally hard to stop the Gunners playing through the centre of the pitch, so this is a ploy which may be repeated in specific matches this season.

Palmer's penalty v Arsenal

Reliable productivity 

Palmer and Gallagher do not have as much pace or eye-catching skill as some of their attack-minded team-mates, but their decision-making is usually sound.

Enzo Fernandez is the only Chelsea player to average more successful passes into the final third.

Successful passes into final third 2023/24

Gallagher, who was magnificent in a 2-0 derby win at Fulham, also supplied a great pass for Raheem Sterling to score against Burnley.

Gallagher's assist v Burnley

And following on from a cheeky nutmeg pass assist to Nicolas Jackson against Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup, cool-headed Palmer teed up the same player for another close-range finish at Turf Moor.

Summer signing Palmer, who likes to tuck in off the right-hand side, is currently firing off 3.32 shots, and creating 2.22 chances from open play per 90 minutes.

No Chelsea player can match that tally, which is evidence of how well he has settled in since making the move from the champions.

Efficient, energetic, and trusted by their new head coach, Palmer and Gallagher have made excellent early impressions under Pochettino.

Also in this series

Part 2: How wing wizard Neto can unlock Newcastle defence
Part 3: Can Kompany fix Burnley problems for key duel with Bournemouth?
Part 4: How Hojlund and Doku can impact their first Manchester derby