Chelsea star Cole Palmer left the pitch in frustration at Enzo Maresca's decision to substitute him during Saturday's clash against Aston Villa. The England international was replaced by Estevao Willian in the 74th minute at Stamford Bridge with the score at 1-1.
Palmer went on to have words with Bluesassistant manager Willy Caballero, with manager Enzo Maresca serving a touchline ban in the stands. The Blues attacker was deemed ready for 90 minutes by Maresca before the match, but was taken off with around 15 minutes of regulation time remaining.
The 23-year-old has grappled with several injuries this season, but returned from the sidelines against Unai Emery's side this weekend. Palmersustained a groin injury in September, which resulted in him missing matches for the Blues across all competitions.
Further complications arose when he suffered a broken toe in November, sidelining him for another two fixtures. In the subsequent weeks, Palmer has been striving to regain full fitness, participating in Chelsea's match against Newcastle United earlier this month for 79 minutes.
But despite playing a chunk of Saturday's game against Villa - Palmer's reaction to coming off in the second half was a decision he clearly disagreed with.
Speaking pre-match, Maresca said: "I think he's ready for 90 minutes, yeah. The progression for a player is 45, one hour, 70.
"He already played one hour against, I think, Everton. He played more than 70 against Newcastle, so I think the progression is there."
Maresca's decision to replace Palmer failed to have any impact. The Blues were 1-0 up at half-time through Joao Pedro.
But a second-half brace from Ollie Watkins condemned Chelsea to defeat and secured a club-record equalling 11th consecutive win for Villa.
Chelsea sit in fifth - level on points with sixth-placed Manchester United with 29 points after 18 matches played.
Villa, meanwhile, remain third - three points off league leaders Arsenal.
Asked for his assessment post-match - Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp heaped praise on Watkins for turning the game around.
He said: "That was one of the great impacts from a sub in Premier League history.
"[Watkins] changed the complexion of the match completely. He was absolutely incredible."
