Maresca backs Palmer to rediscover scoring form despite goal drought

Cole Palmer has been urged to keep working hard and enjoying his football by Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who remains confident that his goalscoring form will return.

The 22-year-old, Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, has now gone seven matches without finding the net.

His latest goalless outing came in Tuesday’s emphatic 4-0 victory over struggling Southampton, a result that lifted Chelsea back into the top four.

Despite Palmer missing several clear chances, four of his teammates found the scoresheet to secure the win.

Maresca, however, remains unfazed by Palmer’s drought, insisting the club is “happy” with his performances and encouraging the young forward to stay positive.

“He has to continue to work, continue to be happy, continue to laugh the way he does,” Maresca told BBC Match of the Day.

“It is normal to go through a moment where you struggle to score but it doesn’t matter. Just continue and you are going to score many goals.”