Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers Set for Goal-Scoring Rivalry, Says Carlton Cole

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers Face Off in Chelsea’s Goal Battle

The competition for goals between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers at Chelsea is bound to happen, says former Blues striker Carlton Cole. The friendly rivalry between the two close friends has brought some welcome energy to the Stamford Bridge squad.

Both players, reunited after their time together at Manchester City, are eager to outscore each other in the 2026-27 season. This internal contest is already underway after seven matches across all competitions.

Goals and Assists So Far This Season

• Cole Palmer: 4 goals, 2 assists
• Morgan Rogers: 3 goals, 4 assists

Palmer recently withdrew from the latest England squad despite initially being called back by Thomas Tuchel following his World Cup omission. Rogers remains part of the England setup and currently leads slightly in total contributions. The 24-year-old Rogers boasts a career-high of 14 goals across previous seasons at Aston Villa, while Palmer aims to replicate the form that earned him 25 goals in his debut campaign at Chelsea, which also won him the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

A Playmaking Duo to Watch

Chelsea relies heavily on both No.10s to deliver this season as defensive issues persist. With Brazilian striker Joao Pedro spearheading the attack, consistent goal-scoring will be critical for earning points and progressing in cup competitions.

Palmer and Rogers are viewed as one of the most promising creative partnerships globally, comparable to talents like Michael Olise, Luis Diaz, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia at top clubs such as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

Insights from Carlton Cole on Their Dynamic

"Their forward line is formidable. It's probably one of the best in the Premier League if you look man-to-man on paper. You see Morgan, who came in as a Chelsea fan from a young age, now playing alongside his mate Cole Palmer. They understand each other's game well," said Cole.

"The banter between them is great. It makes the whole squad feel more relaxed. On the pitch, they're constantly trying to create chances and score goals. There's definitely a competition to see who can net the most this season."

"In one cup game against Leeds, there was a bit of fun where Rogers created four goals but Palmer scored twice, and Palmer questioned how Rogers got man of the match. That kind of rivalry adds character and shows they enjoy playing together."

"They aren't responsible for all the defensive lapses. Sometimes, when the defense leaks goals, the forwards have to score even more, but it's not solely on them. The team needs balance or the mood could suffer."

Chelsea’s Recent Form and Upcoming Fixture

Chelsea has failed to win in their last three Premier League games, earning just one point while conceding seven goals. Their next match is on October 10, hosting AFC Bournemouth.

Manager Xabi Alonso will be counting on the creativity and competition between Rogers and Palmer to inspire the team. Encouraging this rivalry could help bring out the best performances from both players.

• Next fixture: Chelsea vs AFC Bournemouth
• Date and time: October 10, 2026, 17:00