Cole Palmer lost his temper with Nicolas Jackson in the final stages of Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fluminense on Tuesday, kicking the post in fury after not being passed to for a simple tap-in.
Enzo Maresca’s side booked their place in the inaugural Club World Cup final with a comfortable victory over the Brazilian giants, as new £60million signing Joao Pedro struck twice to get his Blues career off to a flying start.
Pedro, who previously played for Fluminense and twice opted not to celebrate against his former side, scored his first with a superb curling effort in the 18th minute before doubling his tally with a smart and powerful strike early in the second half.
Chelsea had a fabulous opportunity to put the game to bed in the 80th minute after substitute Jackson broke free inside the penalty area, drawing a defender to leave Palmer free between the spot and six-yard box.
But the Senegalese forward opted to shoot to Palmer’s dismay, firing his effort wide of the target and into the side netting.
Chelsea’s No 10 immediately threw his hands in the area in a frustrated manner before stamping his foot against the post.
Cole Palmer (above) was left fuming at Nicolas Jackson after not being passed to for a tap in
Jackson had a glorious opportunity to square the ball to Palmer but instead chose to shoot
Palmer then appeared to shout angrily at his team-mate — who held his hand out in apology as he walked sheepishly back on to the pitch with his head bowed.
Jackson, who was a regular fixture in Maresca’s side during the 2024-25 campaign, suddenly finds his starting spot under significant threat ahead of the new season.
Pedro has hit the ground running just days after his switch from Brighton while fellow summer signing Liam Delap, who joined for £30m from Ipswich, adds to the fierce competition at Maresca’s disposal at the top of the pitch.
Jackson enjoyed a solid return in terms of his output last season, bagging 10 Premier League goals – 13 in total – and drawing regular praise from Maresca during his debut campaign in charge of the club.
But many fans have grown frustrated by his persistent lack of discipline at key moments in games, with Jackson sent off in the third-to-last Premier League game of last season against Newcastle and then again at the Club World Cup during Chelsea’s second group stage match versus Flamengo.
According to reports in Italy, AC Milan have asked about Jackson’s availability this summer after the arrivals of Pedro and Delap to Maresca’s squad.
It is claimed that Jackson’s name was mentioned during negotiations for Archie Brown, who is a left back with Gent and also of interest to Milan.
Brown has the same agent as the Blues forward, meaning a relationship has already formed between Milan and the Jackson’s entourage.
Palmer reacted angrily by kicking the post before turning to Jackson to give a piece of his mind
Jackson’s starting spot under Maresca is at risk following Pedro’s £60m arrival this summer
Jackson has reportedly attracted interest from Italian giants AC Milan over a summer move
The reports claim, however, that Jackson would only be sold by Chelsea if a significant offer comes in.
Chelsea will now face either Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid in the Club World Cup final on Sunday following their victory over Fluminense.
