PALM Cole has big-screen stardust his under-fire manager needs... but Poch’s Blues movie still lacks a convincing plot
MAURICIO POCHETTINO screeched so loud it shook the Stamford Bridge press box.
Harry Wilson had pipped two Chelsea defenders to a second ball – and slowly but surely, Fulham had begun to assert first-half control.
Two furious punts of his technical area turf soon followed from the restless Argentine manager, who desperately consulted assistant Jesus Perez for answers as his side were suffocated in Marco Silva’s stranglehold.
Yet just a few minutes later, Chelsea were ahead via Cole Palmer’s penalty – and that abrupt swing of the pendulum just about typified the unpredictable nature of Pochettino’s chaotic project that at any given second looks either destined to explode into life or nosedive.
Chelsea have become a team that rely on moments and individuals, and even then, there is a distinct lack of quality outside of £42.5million bargain Palmer.
Despite victory, this was yet another frustrating performance that offered no real clarification that the Blues are a side on the comeback trail.
And ultimately, that is something that reflects poorly on Pochettino because, at times, you begin to wonder whether there is any amount of money that can prompt a serious upturn in fortunes.
There is no clear identity or style of play and it’s truly hard to recognise precisely what Chelsea are trying to do in possession when they attemp to move the ball forward.
Raheem Sterling seems shorn of all confidence, while Armando Broja does not look ready to be their main asset in attack. There is a stark lack of creativity – and even when the Blues do muster an opening, there is nobody clinical enough to put the chance away.
A mentality problem is plaguing Poch’s squad.
And while there is an argument that this side is still short of three or four world-class players that could make all the difference, Pochettino has