'Show a little bit of respect' - Paul Merson hits back at 'barrage of abuse' about Cole Palmer
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
(Credit: Imago/Sky Sports)
Jack Heath
Sat 23 August 2025 16:28, UK
Paul Merson has struck back at fellow Chelsea fans after receiving an array of abuse regarding his stance on Cole Palmer.
After a poor performance against Crystal Palace in a 0-0 draw on the opening weekend of the Premier League, Chelsea bounced back to smash West Ham 5-1.
The Hammers looked appalling as five different goal scorers showed the league that Enzo Maresca‘s side were back to their brilliant best.
Yet, a major talking point was the absence of Palmer after the midfielder suffered an injury in the warm-up which ruled him out of the rout.
Former Arsenal midfielder Merson had stated prior to kick off that Chelsea would not be able to break down any team without the Englishman prior to the battering result, which led to some angry fans saying “I told you so” on X after the thrashing.
Joao Pedro starred in a 5-1 humbling of the Irons, grabbing a goal and two assists (Credit: Imago)
Taking to X (23 August) the morning after the huge result, the ex-Aston Villa playmaker spoke on the abuse he received from Blues fans after stating his opinion on the Man City academy graduate’s importance to the way Maresca likes to attack.
The pundit had highlighted how the number 10 had been marked out of the game against Palace and was worried that the west London outfit couldn’t win games without Palmer getting on the ball.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Merson stated in a video on X: “[I] woke up this morning [23 August] to a barrage of abuse from Chelsea fans about…they [Chelsea] won’t be able to break anyone down without Palmer.
“My god, it was just my opinion…tell me the 39,000 that left Stamford Bridge last weekend [17 August] didn’t feel the same.”
The player turned pundit highlighted that beating the Hammers with just seven shots and three goals from corners was nothing to rave about as Chelsea “weren’t opening them [West Ham] up like a can of beans”.
The ex-midfield maestro asked for fans to “show a little bit of respect” for their comments towards him.
Following up his video on social media on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (23 August), Merson reiterated his reaction to the abuse, stating: “They [Chelsea] go and score five goals, I get up this morning and I am bombarded, woah!
woah!”
Taking the whole episode fairly well he further added that often he reads the comments, saying: “Sometimes if they [Chelsea fans] send them in and you’re lying there, you may as well read them, it’s only polite.”
Football Insider verdict
Of course, football fans by nature are fickle and a big win can quickly change the mood amongst a fanbase.
Whilst the Blues breezed to a comfortable result, their display against Palace should still concern the Chelsea faithful as they historically struggle to break down teams who are compact and organised.
The Hammers are the complete opposite right now with a squad in complete disarray having conceded eight goals in just two matches.
Chelsea next four matchesChelsea v Fulham (H)Brentford v Chelsea (A)Man United v Chelsea (A)Chelsea v Brighton (H)
Next up for Maresca’s side is a visit from neighbours Fulham which will be a tricky game given how organised Marco Silva sets up his team.
I fear Stamford Bridge could be underwhelmed yet again by the stagnant, slow football the Italian likes to employ which will certainly stutter against the Cottagers.
So, my warning to Chelsea fans is to be a bit more realistic and calm yourselves down after destroying the Irons, a performance that was more Graham Potter’s undoing rather than supreme brilliance from the Blues.
Related Posts