Chelsea would be in a ‘RELEGATION battle’ if it wasn’t for one Blues star, claims Jamie Redknapp, after Mauricio Pochettino’s men drop more points against another side in the bottom three

Jamie Redknapp has claimed Chelsea would be in a ‘relegation battle’ if it wasn’t for one star player after the Blues were twice pegged back by Sheffield United.

Chelsea’s inconsistencies again cost them valuable points as the Blues failed to build on their previous stunning comeback win against Manchester United earlier in the week.

Thiago Silva and Noni Madueke both scored either side of the break, but Oli McBurnie’s stoppage time equaliser was enough to rescue a share of the spoils for the hosts after Jayden Bogle’s first-half strike.

Cole Palmer scored a first professional hat-trick against United and again impressed against Sheffield despite not getting on the scoresheet.

Mauricio Pochettino was left fuming after watching his side come undone again on the road, with Redknapp criticising Chelsea’s vulnerabilities.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino watched his side twice surrender their lead against Sheffield United on Sunday

Jamie Redknapp claimed one Blues player has been the difference for Chelsea this season

The former Liverpool star slammed the Blues for their performances this season and claims 21-year-old Palmer is the only player keeping the club away from the drop zone.

‘Chelsea would be in a relegation battle if it wasn’t for Cole Palmer,’ Redknapp told Sky Sports after the game.

The former Man City star has been in outstanding form since completing his move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, with 19 goals in all competitions, and also earning a first England call-up. 

A point against Chris Wilder’s side saw Chelsea leapfrog Brighton into ninth spot in the Premier League standings with just 44 points to their name.

Cole Palmer has starred since moving to Stamford Bridge in the summer with 19 goals in all competitions

Palmer again impressed against Sheffield United despite not getting on the scoresheet

They have had contrasting form in cup competitions after advancing to the upcoming FA Cup semi-finals against Man City, while previously being beat by Liverpool in the FA Cup final.

Pochettino is under pressure to show he is capable of improving Chelsea and hinted at further reinforcements in the summer transfer window in a bid to strengthen for next season.

‘I think it is the normal process that this happens. We need to work and try to fix this type of problem.

‘We need to analyse the squad at the end of the season and see what we are missing and try to add people with the capacity to improve next season.’