Cole Palmer has just had his longest spell as a Chelsea player without a goal or an assist – and he’s ended that run in ridiculous style.
A free kick absolutely miles out looked more likely to be crossed than shot, but instead the team surprised everyone by taking it short. The move down the right led to nothing, and in fact ended up with Palmer on the ball on the edge of the box, close to where the wall for the original effort had been.
We all know what comes next. A shift onto the left, and then a shot flying into the net.
Palmer fizzed the ball with his distinctive long legged, left footed style into the top corner. The three defenders closing in on him didn’t put him off at all. He made no mistake, burying the ball with whip and power far beyond Robin Olsen’s reach.
Game over – and what a way to finish it. Moments later, Palmer was subbed off so he could receive his applause from his adoring home fans at Stamford Bridge.
You can see the goal in the clips embedded here:
What a STRIKE from Cole Palmer! ⚡🔥 pic.twitter.com/QQv6qEosoG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 1, 2024
[Footage from Sky Sports]
COLE JERMAINE PALMER 🥶
🏴 @premierleague | @ChelseaFC 3 x 0 @AVFCOfficial#DAZNPremier pic.twitter.com/TvBLuXcX1F
— DAZN Portugal (@DAZNPortugal) December 1, 2024
[Footage from DAZN]
PALMER IS INEVITABLE WOWWWW! 🥶 pic.twitter.com/RCnkypTptA
— Chels HQ (@Chels_HQ) December 1, 2024
[Footage from Canal Plus]
Keeping Palmer fresh remains Chelsea priority
Cole Palmer’s quiet games never looked likely to last long. Even in previous periods where he hasn’t had his best games, he’s always managed to get on the score sheet. He’s a moment player,
Keeping him fresh by resting him in midweek is working extremely well. But that system gets a test this week as our match with Southampton is a Premier League game, not a a cup game.
Will we see 3 stats for Palmer in 7 days, or will be be rested on Wednesday with Sunday’s huge match at Spurs in mind? It’s something for Maresca to think about.
