Chelsea were able to beat Liverpool 3-1 last weekend, with the game finishing on a very positive note for the Blues.
Cole Palmer scored a penalty in the 96th minute to end his goal drought. After the win, Palmer was lauded by Jermaine Jenas and others for not just his performance, but also how he conducted himself in his post-match interview.
That day, however, started in a way that would have annoyed Chelsea supporters. Following their Premier League title success, the Blues gave Liverpool a customary guard of honour.
It is Arsenal’s turn this week, but one former Chelsea player says he would not applaud Arne Slot’s side if he was at Anfield.
Carlton Cole wouldn’t applaud Liverpool achievement
Peter Crouch spoke about the guard of honour before Chelsea’s victory over Liverpool, labelling it as “embarrassing”, and it looks like Carlton Cole is not a fan of it either.
The ex-Chelsea and West Ham United striker has claimed that he would not acknowledge Liverpool’s success if he was an Arsenal player on Sunday following their elimination from the Champions League.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Cole said: “I’d turn my back. I’d be there; I’d turn my back because I’d start crying if I see their faces, the smuggy faces walking past me and I’ve had a bad week already. It is bad sportsmanship, but it hurts.”
Next season, Chelsea will be hoping that it is Liverpool and Arsenal applauding them, though there remains quite a big gap between the Blues and the former.
Chelsea have surprised Slot after falling so far behind his title-winning side, with the Dutchman being impressed with how they played at Anfield earlier in the campaign.
When Liverpool had to give Chelsea a guard of honour
The guard of honour is not a new custom in English football. In 2015, Liverpool were the ones clapping Chelsea onto the pitch after Jose Mourinho’s side won the 2014/15 Premier League title.
John Terry broke a record that day, becoming the highest-scoring defender in Premier League history after grabbing a goal during the match.
As a Chelsea fan, it would be nice to see similar scenes again, but it may be a while before Enzo Maresca‘s young team are ready to challenge for the title.
