“He’s got to be good enough and while he is a talented player, how can we sit here…Pep Guardiola has stated the reason why he sold Cole Palmer to Chelsea

Chelsea winger Cole Palmer was allowed to leave Manchester City this summer because he is ‘weak’ in key areas, according to commentator Chris Sutton.

Palmer was a surprising exit from the Etihad Stadium in the summer season after it had seemed as though the 21-year-old was being prepped for a starting role at City in the future. However, a bid of £40m was accepted by Pep Guardiola and some critics have indicated he may regret the choice.

The attacker has been one of Mauricio Pochettino’s better players this season having scored four goals in ten appearances for the Stamford Bridge club. Palmer added to his tally on Saturday night and was voted Man of the Match by Gary Neville on Sky Sports.

While others are scratching their heads over his leave yet, Sutton feels he has an explanation for Guardiola’s choice. The former Blackburn Rovers man told the podcast It’s all Kicking Off: “From what I’ve seen of him or what I saw of him at Manchester City, I appreciate what you’re saying [about his quality].

“But then you’re sort of doubting Pep’s decision-making there? He must be lacking at something in Pep’s eyes, whether its fitting into the Pep Guardiola style of play, whatever it is. But on the face of things, I do understand what you’re saying.

“He’s got to be good enough and while he is a brilliant player, how can we sit here in this moment in time and doubt Pep Guardiola?

“Champions League champion last season, they’ve won the Premier League for the last three seasons, whatever it is and he doesn’t get a lot of incorrect. So maybe, should we wait a bit longer before we pass judgement [on Palmer leaving]?”