Explained: Why Chelsea star Cole Palmer argued with Mauricio Pochettino’s assistant after Aston Villa clash
The reason for Chelsea star Cole Palmer's spat with coach Mauricio Pochettino's assistant after the Blues' 2-2 draw against Aston Villa has been revealed.
The Blues were down 0-2 at half-time but fought back to level the game with goals from winger Noni Madueke (62') and stand-in captain Conor Gallagher (81').
There was a highly controversial moment in the 95th minute when substitute Axel Disasi seemed to have scored the winner. However, the goal was ruled out after a VAR check by referee Craig Pawson.
The referee noticed a push in the back from Frenchman Benoit Badiashile on Villa defender Diego Carlos before he crossed the ball in for Disasi. The contact was significant enough to warrant a foul call, and the goal was chalked off.
At full-time, Chelsea players stormed Pawson and had to be separated from him. Disasi, Madueke, and Badiashile were all involved, but the former pushed the latter two away to have a conversation with the referee.
Blues assistant coach Jesus Perez was also at the scene and pulled Disasi away. He also pushed Madueke (who had already received a yellow card) and defender Trevoh Chalobah away from the referee.
Palmer then tried to make a move towards Pawson to have a word with him but was also pushed away by Perez. The hand in the chest from the Spaniard didn't sit well with the Englishman, and the pair had a short enraged confrontation.
The 21-year-old turned back towards Pawson but Perez kept holding him off. Eventually, two Chelsea staff members pulled the attacker away from the assistant coach.
These controversial moments are just adding fuel to Chelsea's flaming mess of a season so far. Pochettino will be hoping that other results go their way so that they can at least have an opportunity to qualify for European football this season.
"Liven up and work harder" - Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher reveals what Mauricio Pochettino said in the half-time team talk
Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher revealed what manager Mauricio Pochettino said in his half-time team talk to inspire his side towards a comeback.
With Aston Villa leading 2-0 at the break, Pochettino needed to deliver a rousing half-time team talk, exactly what he did according to Gallagher.
The Argentine's speech clearly worked, as his side set out with renewed inspiration. Goals in the 62nd and 81st minute from Noni Madueke and Gallagher earned the Blues a draw away from home.
Talking to Chelsea's official website, Conor Gallagher said:
"The gaffer, long story short, told us to liven up and work harder in everything we do on the ball and off the ball. The second half was a lot better and we were unlucky not to get the win. I was really happy with the goal, but disappointed not to get the third."
Talking about his side's controversially ruled-out winner, he added:
"The goal at the end I think should’ve counted, but that’s not my decision. We can hold our heads high and take confidence from that."
Chelsea will next take on Tottenham Hotspur in a mouth-watering London Derby in the Premier League on May 2.