Chelsea star Cole Palmer has responded to online trolls after ending his goalless run in the 3-1 triumph over champions Liverpool on Sunday.
Story of the match:
The Blues headed into Sunday’s clash against the Champions hoping to secure a win to boost their chances of qualifying for the UCL at the end of the season.
Chelsea gave the Reds a guard of honor before the game started, as a form of respect to this season’s league winners.
Enzo Maresca’s men started on the bright foot, taking an early lead in the third minute when Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez continued his superb form with a well-taken goal from a Pedro Neto’s cross.
An unfortunate own goal by Jarell Quansah made it two for the Blues, before Virgil Van Dijk scored a header from a corner to half the deficit.
However, Palmer ended his 12-game goal drought with a late penalty to make it 3-1 after Quansah brought down Moises Caicedo.
Palmer’s slump in form
The former Manchester City forward scored 36 goals and provided 17 assists in his first 54 appearances for Chelsea since his £42.5 million move in 2023, before going on a 12-game run where he failed to find the back of the net.
The 22-year old managed just two-goal contributions during this period, before scoring for the first time since January 14 in the win over the champions.
What Palmer said:
“We played very well as a team. They’re champions for a reason, but we showed desire. I just felt normal. S— happens … sorry for my language. Obviously it happens, I went three months without scoring, but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team”, the England international said.
“Social media nowadays is full of idiots. I don’t pay no attention to that. I’ve scored today and I’m happy, but it’s only one and I’ve got to keep improving and try and reach new levels. Getting chances and not scoring, it feels like you’re letting your team down. 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.”
Palmer who now has 24 goal contributions in the league this season will now look to finish the season in fine form going into the Club World Cup in June.
“Today, I felt like myself. I felt confident, I was trying things, first time passes, playing forward, playing free and when you have him [Moises Caicedo] next to you, it’s a dream”, he added.
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