Noni Madueke responds to Chelsea critics after Cole Palmer penalty fiasco

It should have been a memorable night for Chelsea as they reignited their bid for European football next season against Everton. A 6-0 win on a night Cole Palmer became the first player to score consecutive hat-tricks at Stamford Bridge - and yet the headlines have since been dominated by a bizarre on-field spat between the home hero and team-mate Noni Madueke.

But in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Madueke posted on Instagram with an image of the Chelsea team engaged in a pre-match huddle, complete with a blue heart emoji. His upload appeared an attempt to underline the togetherness within the squad, but equally represented a response to savage criticism the 22-year-old has received following his behaviour against the Toffees.

The Blues were already leading 4-0 courtesy of Palmer’s first-half treble and a Nicolas Jackson strike when just after the hour mark, the club’s leading goalscorer went down in the area after being fouled by Abdoulaye Doucoure. But despite the English international being flawless from the spot this season, it was Madueke who duly grabbed the ball in an apparent attempt to take responsibility.

And in scenes that bordered on embarrassing, Madueke continued to argue his case even after captain Conor Gallagher intervened, with Palmer eventually having to physically push the winger away. Jackson also appeared furious at being denied the chance to take it, and Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino notably pulled no punches afterwards.

"I can't accept this kind of behaviour," said Pochettino. "I told them it's the last time I want to see this. It is impossible to have this type of behaviour after this performance. If we want to be a great team, we need to change and think in a collective way.

"The penalty taker is Palmer. It's Palmer who needs to decide if he wants to give the ball to a team-mate. It's important to fix. They realise now. It's a shame. It's a process for a young team who need to learn a lot. I want to apologise to the fans.”

Tellingly, Madueke opted to turn the comments off on his post, no doubt aware of the fan criticism that would have come his way. But despite his antics seemingly souring a positive night for the Blues, team-mate Palmer refused to call out Madueke afterwards.

"Other players wanted to take it, but I am the penalty taker and I wanted to take it," he said. "I think we are showing everyone wants to take responsibility. It may be a bit over the top, but everyone wants to win - we are laughing and joking about it."

Palmer has successfully converted all nine penalties he has taken in the Premier League. Only one other player - former Manchester City man Yaya Toure - has scored more penalties while keeping a 100 per cent conversion rate. The Ivorian scored 11 of 11.