Dele Alli described Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke as ‘selfish’ after they had an on-pitch argument during Chelsea’s emphatic victory over Everton.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side blew Everton away at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, with Cole Palmer scoring four goals and a perfect hat-trick in another sublime performance.
Jackson and Blues academy graduate Alfie Gilchrist also got on the scoresheet as Chelsea’s encouraging run of form continued and Everton returned to Goodison Park empty-handed and demoralised.
But Chelsea’s superb 6-0 win was somewhat overshadowed by a bizarre argument between team-mates Jackson and Madueke after the hosts were awarded a penalty in the second half.
The pair argued over who should take the spot-kick and both refused to back down even when Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher grabbed the ball and gave it to designated penalty-taker Palmer.
Palmer slotted his spot-kick past Jordan Pickford – becoming the Premier League’s joint-top goalscorer in the process – but Jackson then refused to celebrate the goal.
Everton midfielder Dele, who has not featured this season due to personal and injury issues, was critical of both Jackson and Madueke and said they ‘showed their age’.
‘I think Pochettino will be really disappointed about it,’ he said on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football. ‘The big thing about him is he cares so much about players as people as well and for them to do that is kind of selfish.
‘They want to get on the scoresheet – it’s good that players want to score – but do it during the game. If you’re not the taker then just step away from the ball.
‘I didn’t see them doing it in the last minute against Manchester United when the pressure was on.
‘It’s clear that Mauricio isn’t happy about it. They’re young players so they will learn from it.’
The ex-England star added: ‘For me this is them showing their age. I didn’t see them fighting to take the big pressure penalty against United.’
Pochettino, speaking to Sky Sports after the match, admitted he was fuming after watching two of his players argue on the pitch.
But he was delighted with Chelsea’s ‘perfect’ display, which included a 29-minute first-half hat-trick from summer signing Palmer.
‘We played some good games, but yes today I am happy with the performance, and we started the game really well,’ Pochettino said.
‘We show a different approach against Sheffield United and we spoke in the week we improved in different areas – today was the perfect game.’
On Palmer’s display, the Blues boss added: ‘I need to be honest, of course when we signed him he was a great talent.
‘He is doing fantastic, he is doing really well and he has adapted himself. The impact on the team was amazing from day one. I am so happy for him and the team.’
Chelsea made up more ground on their European qualification rivals after thrashing Everton but it was a harrowing evening for Sean Dyche’s side, who remain 16th in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone.
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