BBC pundit Alan Shearer has blasted Raheem Sterling for taking penalty duties off Cole Palmer during Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Leicester at the weekend.

Sterling won the spot-kick in the first half after being fouled. He then decided to take it himself, which didn’t end well with Foxes keeper Jakub Stolarczyk easily saving the resulting shot. Shearer says Palmer (who has a perfect record from 12 yards out this season) should have taken the penalty:

“I mean, seriously. I was getting angry and I didn’t really care. I’m thinking why on earth is he taking the ball off Palmer? He has scored five out of five this season.”

“He’s the best player for Chelsea. He’s been brilliant all season, he looks confident whenever he is taking them. Why would you even contemplate taking it off him?”

It was selfish from Sterling

The 29-year-old hasn’t scored for over a month, having last hit the back of the net during the 1-1 draw against Manchester City. With his team already 2-0 up, he obviously felt that it was the right time to end his scoring drought.

However, in hindsight, Sterling should not have pulled rank. A 3-0 lead would have put the Blues out of sight and, as it was, Leicester came roaring back to 2-2 in the second half.

Chelsea fans are losing patience with the winger

When you look at his record this campaign (8 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances), it doesn’t make for bad reading but supporters expect more from a player who has won almost everything in the professional game.

Sterling was booed off after being substituted on Sunday, and it was clear that he was feeling the pressure after the penalty miss as he blasted a freekick into the stands. He has faced criticism in his career before and come back fighting so we shall see how he responds this time.