Chelsea: Pochettino confirms penalty hierarchy after Palmer-Sterling dispute

Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer argued over who should take a penalty for Chelsea against Arsenal last weekend.

Mauricio Pochettino has confirmed that Cole Palmer is Chelsea’s primary penalty-taker.

The English midfielder joined Chelsea on a summer switch from Manchester City, quickly establishing his place in Pochettino’s plans. Palmer scored his maiden Chelsea goal by converting a penalty for the Blues in their 2-2 draw against Arsenal last Saturday.

Before taking the penalty, however, Palmer was seen arguing with Raheem Sterling over who should take on David Raya from the spot.

Asked whether he has a first-choice penalty-taker at Chelsea, Pochettino told reporters on Friday: “There are a few players who can take the penalty. It’s about their feelings. As a coaching staff we give them the responsibility to decide on the pitch.

“It’s not only one player, that this player is going to be in charge. It shows that Cole was ready to take the two penalties he took.

“Normally it is going to be him if he is on the pitch. But if not I’d be happy with Raheem, with Nico (Jackson). For me the most important thing is to have the decision and the personality to go.”

Chelsea will continue their Premier League campaign with a home game against Brentford on Saturday.