Cole Palmer returned to dazzling form at the perfect moment to revive Chelsea’s Champions League hopes with a 3-1 win over Premier League champions Liverpool.
The 22-year-old ended a 1,162-minute goal drought with a confident injury-time penalty, capping a dominant display in front of a roaring Stamford Bridge crowd. His performance brought back memories of his early-season brilliance and reignited Chelsea’s push for a top-five finish.
Having gone 18 games without a goal, Palmer played a starring role in all three of Chelsea’s strikes. He sparked the opening goal in the third minute, driving through midfield before releasing Pedro Neto, whose cross was finished by Enzo Fernandez. His clever footwork led to an own goal after his cross caused chaos in the Liverpool box, and he calmly slotted home from the spot after Moises Caicedo was brought down late on.
“I just felt normal,” Palmer said post-match. “Going three months without a goal gives me more motivation to fight. I just want to help the team.”
Despite his barren run, Palmer now boasts 37 goals in 67 Premier League appearances for the Blues—already enough to rank him 10th on the club’s all-time league scoring chart.
His effort was praised across the board. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca, who never wavered in his belief in the England international, said, “He always works hard and wants to help the team. He’s special.”
The win takes Chelsea level on points and goal difference with fourth-placed Newcastle, setting up a blockbuster clash at St. James’ Park on 11 May. With two decisive games remaining—against Newcastle and sixth-placed Nottingham Forest—Palmer’s resurgence could not be more timely.
As goalkeeper Robert Sanchez sprinted the length of the pitch to celebrate with Palmer, it was clear this was more than just a win. It was a statement—and perhaps, the moment Chelsea’s European destiny shifted course.
Next up: Chelsea at Newcastle, 11 May.
