Pearce said: “What a terrible penalty. The follow-up is poor as well. That’s a shocker.

“It’s almost straight at Stolarczyk. A rueful look on the face of Raheem Sterling.”

Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said: “Well it certainly is [terrible]. He’s one of the players you look to in this new generation of Chelsea players to be assured.

“He hits it straight down the middle, I don’t know if he’s trying to do that deliberately.

“But no, there’s no quality in that at all. No real purpose, no power. It’s quite comfortable for the keeper.”

Fans straight away took to social media to give their reactions to the missed penalty.

And many of the Chelsea supporters were questioning why Palmer was not given the spot-kick.

One wrote on X: “Take the penalty of Palmer than you miss. Unbelievable Sterling. So done with this guy.”

A second put: “Sterling misses the pen. He should have left that to Palmer. What a poor penalty.”

A third wrote: “WHY STERLING?! PALMER DESERVES IT!!”

And a fourth wrote: “Why is Sterling taking the Penalty when Palmer is on the pitch. We really should have been 2-0 up.”

Some fans believe it is time Chelsea sold Sterling at the end of the season.

One wrote: “Sterling is becoming a problem to this Chelsea team.. Why did he choose to play the penalty when Palmer is on the field? We need to ship him and ego out next season.”

Another fan was hoping to see Sterling taken off at half-time.

They wrote: “Sterling is a strong character, who has stepped up for club and country. His experience should be guiding those around him.

“Really disappointing and arrogant decision to take the penalty off Palmer. Pochettino should show decisive action at HT.”

Sterling had earlier accidentally blocked a Mykhaylo Mudryk shot which was goal-bound, while after the penalty he missed a one-on-one.

He made some amends when he laid on an assist for Palmer just before half-time as Chelsea doubled their lead.