Mauricio Pochettino Chelsea Sheff UtdGetty

Mauricio Pochettino reveals drastic step he and Chelsea sporting directors took following embarrassing penalty argument during emphatic Premier League victory over Everton

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Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Madueke, Palmer and Jackson clashed over spot-kick
  • Pochettino reveals how club handled situation
  • Palmer expected to be number one taker for Blues
  • Cole Palmer argues with Nicolas Jackson & Noni MaduekeGetty

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    As Chelsea headed to a very comfortable win over the relegation-battling Toffees, what was supposed to be a good day for Blues fans was marred by a spat between Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson. With the club having been awarded a penalty in the 60th minute, the duo fought for the right to take the shot from the spot before Cole Palmer took over and scored his fourth goal of the night.

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  • WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

    Speaking to the media, Pochettino said: "We were talking a lot after Monday. We have been practising penalties and talking [laughs]. We made it clear after the game, that we had a meeting between the players and staff and the sporting directors, Paul and Laurence, were there. Now we need to move on. It's about to be clever. They are clever and understand the situation. In one point, it was not an image we like but in another point, it's good that the players want to take responsibility. But they need to respect the rules. Discipline is so important."

  • Mauricio Pochettino Cole Palmer Chelsea 2023-24Getty

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Despite initial resistance, it appears that Palmer has finally been accepted as the team's regular penalty taker. The 21-year-old has been the only bright spot for the team since joining from Manchester City and he is currently the joint-top scorer in the Premier League.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

    The Blues will now go all out on Saturday, April 20 when they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at the Etihad Stadium, as they look to get one step closer to their only possible title this year.