Mauricio Pochettino has ‘belief’ in Cole Palmer, admits ‘maybe a red card’ for Malo Gusto in Chelsea win over Fulham

Mauricio Pochettino highlighted the confidence he has in Cole Palmer after the 21-year-old proved to be the difference in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Fulham, but admits his side were lucky not to be reduced to ten men.

Palmer calmly slotted home from the penalty spot to secure the Blues three crucial points and move them up into eighth, on an afternoon where Malo Gusto was arguably fortunate not to receive his marching orders for a first-half challenge on Willian.

"We believe in him [Palmer], even when he didn't score with the three big chances in Middlesbrough," Pochettino told TNT Sports.

“We believe in him and he has the quality to play. It is important for young guys to feel the support of the coaching staff, club and team-mates.

“It is the first season they [Palmer and Levi Colwill] are playing consistently every week and this kind of up and down can happen. It is important to relay that confidence and belief."

And when asked about Gusto’s studs-up challenge on Willian, the Argentine said he has sympathy with his Fulham counterpart Marco Silva, who felt the tackle merited a red and not a yellow card.

"Of course, I understand. I respect his opinion,” Pochettino explained.

“It was a challenge, a difficult one for the referees and VAR. We've already suffered some sendings-off for actions like this.

“I'm not going to say anything, I accept and understand that it was maybe a red card. I don't want to say too much because I've not seen all the angles. That is football though, sometimes it is for you and sometimes it isn't."

Silva had a less forgiving take on the decision to give Gusto only a caution and revealed that the fourth official Simon Hooper was in agreement with his assessment.

However, the VAR Michael Salisbury did not recommend that Anthony Taylor should view the pitchside monitor having already brandished the yellow.

"It was a derby. There was a lot of challenges,” Silva told TNT Sports.

“The referee started the game as he does normally, letting the game flow, as a derby should be. Chelsea started better than us but after the first 15 minutes we started to balance the game, both sides had moments. After that we started to create some problems.

"We have to talk about the red card for Gusto, it was clear. It is hard to see how things aren't consistent at the level that we're at. This is the Premier league. In 10 of those moments, nine times it is a red card. it is a clear red card for me. VAR checked and this time they didn't give.

"I haven't spoken to the officials. I don't want to say what the fourth official said. He has the same opinion as me but it is not for him to say, it is for the VAR to decide. It is a normal decision from the referee but the help should come from the VAR.”

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