Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are quickly developing into one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking partnerships, with Chelsea’s close friends combining to devastating effect during the opening weeks of the season.
Their understanding was on full display in Chelsea’s 6-3 Carabao Cup comeback against Leeds United on Wednesday, when both players were introduced at half-time with their side 2-0 down. Palmer scored twice, while Rogers supplied three assists as Chelsea turned the tie around in a remarkable second-half surge. ([chelseafc.com](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/analysis-how-devastating-palmer-and-rogers-helped-turn-tie-around))
Rogers was nevertheless unimpressed when Palmer was named man of the match. “I got four assists,” he protested, prompting Palmer to reply: “I’d say you should have had it.” Rogers then joked: “Don’t mention me. I’m just a bystander.”
The exchange captured the relaxed relationship between the pair, who first became team-mates in England’s youth ranks before later sharing a dressing room at Manchester City. Rogers has said they had long hoped to play together again, describing the prospect of being alongside one of his best friends every day as particularly special. ([premierleague.com](https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4677504/explained-morgan-rogers-and-cole-palmers-cold-celebration))
That familiarity is now translating into production. Palmer and Rogers have combined for 11 goals and assists in their first five matches together at Chelsea, while creating nine chances for one another — more than twice as many as any other pairing in the Premier League during the same period.
Rogers has played 19 passes to Palmer, almost double the number exchanged between Palmer and any other team-mate. The pair have only directly combined for one goal so far, but their influence extends beyond the final pass, with both repeatedly finding each other in dangerous central positions.
Rogers has often been the provider, locating Palmer between the opposition’s midfield and defensive lines. Palmer, in turn, has looked to release Rogers when he darts beyond the back line, giving Chelsea two contrasting but complementary ways of attacking.
“We have different qualities, different ways of playing and affecting games,” Rogers said. “Ultimately, it’s about scoring and creating and linking the game. We can do that in our own ways.”
Their partnership has also benefited from Xabi Alonso’s tactical approach. With Chelsea’s wing-backs providing width, Palmer and Rogers have been able to move inside and operate closer together, increasing the frequency of their combinations in central areas.
Chelsea have consequently directed a greater proportion of their attacks through the middle third than any other Premier League side. The recent evidence suggests that opponents will have to find a way to disrupt the Palmer-Rogers connection if they are to contain Alonso’s attack.
The partnership carries an added layer of personal history, including their shared “cold” celebration. Palmer has credited Rogers with inspiring the gesture when they were academy team-mates, although Rogers maintains that he performed it first. ([premierleague.com](https://www.premierleague.com/en/news/4677504/explained-morgan-rogers-and-cole-palmers-cold-celebration))
For now, the pair appear more interested in creating chances than settling the argument over who deserves the credit. Chelsea’s next challenge will be to maintain that momentum when they face Hull, with Palmer and Rogers emerging as the central threat opponents must prepare for.
