Cole Palmer’s brilliant all-round performance and a long-awaited goal spark Chelsea’s hopes for a top-four finish and a Champions League return.
Cole Palmer’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time for Chelsea. After a 1,162-minute goal drought, Palmer’s dramatic penalty in the sixth minute of added time secured a 3-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, a win that has revived the Blues’ hopes of returning to the Champions League.
Chelsea’s victory over the newly crowned Premier League champions was crucial in their fight for a top-five finish. The match saw Palmer involved in all three goals, including a brilliant run and assist for Enzo Fernandez’s early opener and a dazzling second-half run that forced an own goal from Virgil van Dijk.
After a challenging 18-game run without scoring, Palmer’s performance against Liverpool was a timely reminder of his talent. Despite his recent struggles, he remains one of Chelsea’s most dangerous players, contributing five shots, four chances created, and eight touches in the opposition box — all team highs. Palmer’s ability to impact the game with both his vision and creativity was evident, marking a return to the form that had earlier made Chelsea title contenders.
Palmer’s goal drought had been a source of concern for both him and his fans, but the young forward insisted that he never let his confidence waver, focusing solely on working hard and supporting the team. “Getting chances and not scoring, it feels like you’re letting your team down,” he said. “I feel like I am mentally strong anyway. I feel pride in helping the team, and if I’m not doing that, I’m not happy.”
Head coach Enzo Maresca also backed Palmer throughout his dry spell, praising his commitment and attitude. “We see him day to day on the training ground, and he is always the same, working hard and seeming happy,” Maresca said. “He is unhappy when he is not scoring because he only wants to help the team and the club.”
Palmer’s team-mates, too, rallied behind him. Moises Caicedo, who was fouled in the build-up to the penalty, echoed the sentiment: “Cole is an amazing guy. He always trains hard. We are so happy for him. He helps us a lot even when he didn’t score. He deserves everything.”
The scenes at Stamford Bridge reflected just how much this win meant, not just for Chelsea’s Champions League aspirations but for Palmer’s personal journey. The celebrations were filled with joy and relief, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez even running the length of the pitch to join in.
With Chelsea now just behind fourth-placed Newcastle United, the focus turns to upcoming crucial fixtures. A win against Newcastle on May 11 will be pivotal, while the final game of the season against Nottingham Forest on May 25 will also have major implications on Chelsea’s European hopes. With Palmer back in form, Chelsea’s chances of securing a top-four finish have never looked stronger.
This victory over Liverpool, led by Palmer’s brilliance, marks a key moment in Chelsea’s season. If this is indeed the moment Palmer rediscovered his golden touch, it could very well be the spark that pushes Chelsea over the line in their race for Champions League football next season.
