Last updated on May 5, 2025
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The 22-year-old delivered a statement performance that could very well define Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification.
Image credit: Lennox
Cole Palmer’s magic was never in question — only its return was.
And at Stamford Bridge against newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, it came roaring back.
The 22-year-old delivered a statement performance that could very well define Chelsea’s push for Champions League qualification.
Palmer had endured a grueling goal drought that stretched 18 games and 1,162 minutes.
His early-season brilliance had once thrust Chelsea into the title conversation. But as his form dipped, so did Chelsea’s momentum.
That changed against Liverpool.
In a commanding 3-1 win, Palmer didn’t just participate — he orchestrated.
From the opening whistle, he was Chelsea’s engine, creator, and finisher.
His visionary through-ball in the third minute set the stage for Enzo Fernandez’s opener, a move that immediately put Liverpool on the back foot.
Even as Liverpool appeared emotionally drained from celebrating their 20th league title days earlier, Chelsea still needed a figure to capitalize — and Palmer delivered.
His fearless run in the 56th minute triggered chaos in the Reds’ box, ultimately forcing Virgil van Dijk into an uncharacteristic error that led to an own goal via Jarell Quansah.
Palmer continued to probe, his every touch laced with intent.
A near-miss when his angled strike hit the post only delayed the inevitable.
In stoppage time, he stepped up for a penalty, converting it coolly to finally end his barren spell.
It was a night of numbers and narrative. Palmer led Chelsea in shots (5), chances created (4), final-third passes (13), and touches in the opposition box (8).
He now boasts 37 goals in 67 Premier League games for Chelsea, placing him 10th on the club’s all-time list — a remarkable feat for someone still early in his career.
His reaction? Measured and mature.
“I just felt normal,” Palmer said. “It happens. I went three months without scoring, but I never lost motivation. I don’t listen to social media trolls. I just focus on helping the team — that’s what matters.”
Head coach Enzo Maresca echoed that sentiment, praising Palmer’s consistency in training and resilience in adversity.
Teammate Moises Caicedo, who won the penalty Palmer converted, was equally supportive. “Cole deserves it. Even when he wasn’t scoring, he was helping us. We’re proud of him.”
The significance of the victory extended beyond three points.
It brought Chelsea level on goal difference with fourth-placed Newcastle United, with only goals scored separating them.
The race is now poised for a dramatic finish.
Chelsea face Newcastle in what promises to be a pivotal clash on May 11.
