Cole Palmer’s penalty miss ends perfect run as Leicester’s keeper saves the spot‑kick
When Cole Palmer stepped up at the Leicester City end, most fans expected another easy conversion. The 23‑year‑old had never missed from the spot in senior football – twelve straight penalties had built a tiny legend around his composure.
The penalty that broke the streak
It was a tense moment in the Premier League clash at King Power Stadium. Palmer’s run‑up was textbook: calm, measured, and with a glance at the keeper’s position. He struck the ball hard and low, aiming for the right side of the goal. In a flash, Danish keeper Mads Hermansen exploded to his left, diving full‑length and getting a fingertip push that sent the ball over the bar.
Replays showed Hermansen was on his line, reacting perfectly to Palmer’s shot. Some Chelsea players initially protested, claiming the keeper had left his line early, but the video evidence left no doubt – it was a clean, world‑class save.
Hermansen’s performance was even sweeter because rumours had linked him with a move to Chelsea during the summer. Facing his potential future club, he delivered a statement‑making moment that will be replayed on highlight reels for weeks.
What the miss means for Palmer and Chelsea
Palmer’s miss arrived at a tricky time. He had just broken a 242‑day drought without a goal from open play, finally finding the net in another match. Yet his confidence in front of goal had been shaky, and the penalty miss added a fresh sting.
Despite the setback, Chelsea’s manager praised the youngster’s overall contribution. Palmer has been central to the Blues’ attacking rhythm – creating chances, linking play, and providing a goal threat that forces opponents to adjust their defensive shape.
Teammates rallied around him on the pitch, offering quick encouragement and reminding fans that a single miss does not define a player’s season. The dressing‑room atmosphere, according to sources, remains focused on moving forward rather than dwelling on the moment.
Statistically, Palmer’s penalty conversion rate is now 92.3% – still among the best in the league. Even with the one miss, his track record shows he’s a reliable dead‑ball option, a quality Chelsea will lean on in tight games.
The broader picture for Chelsea is that they still have several avenues to attack. While Palmer’s spot‑kick reliability has taken a minor hit, his ability to drift wide, cut inside, and combine with teammates keeps him in the mix for crucial goals.
For Hermansen, the save could boost his standing in the Premier League and perhaps spark the move that was whispered about. His reflexes and anticipation were on full display, proving he can perform under pressure against top‑flight opposition.
Fans on social media have already turned the incident into memes, but many also expressed admiration for both players – Palmer for his bravery in taking the spot‑kick and Hermansen for the athleticism that denied him.
Looking ahead, Palmer will likely face another penalty soon. The question now is whether he’ll use this experience to fine‑tune his placement or simply rely on his natural composure. One thing’s clear: a single miss won’t erase his reputation as one of the league’s most promising attackers.