Cole Palmer put an end to his 13-game goal drought in Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool — and didn’t mince words in firing back at online critics.
Palmer, who had been under fire for a dry spell that followed his sensational start to life at Chelsea, coolly converted a stoppage-time penalty to cap off the Blues’ statement win at home, and then addressed the weight of expectations, pressure — and the trolls.
Palmer’s Message: ‘Social Media Is Full of Idiots’
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, the 22-year-old England international was candid:
“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,” Palmer said.
“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.”
Cole Palmer then took aim at critics, particularly those behind keyboards.
“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.”
Chelsea’s Clinical Edge Sinks the Champions
Chelsea’s victory — which lifts them to fifth in the table — began with an early strike from Enzo Fernández before a 56th-minute own goal by Jarell Quansah doubled their advantage.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, one of the few regulars retained by manager Arne Slot amid six changes to the squad, pulled one back. But Palmer’s late penalty sealed the result and sent a message that Chelsea are not backing down from the Champions League chase.
Arne Slot: ‘Margins Are Small’
Despite the defeat, Liverpool boss Arne Slot defended his team’s effort following a title-clinching week.
“For many things, I didn’t see a drop off,” Slot said.
“Today, we could see why we have won this league — we brought the ball out from the back really well.”
“We came back after being 2-0 down and we didn’t give up, but I have said before, margins are small. In some moments a few percentages were not there.”
From Manchester to Maturity: Palmer’s Chelsea Journey
Palmer’s arrival from Manchester City in September 2023 for £42.5 million was seen as a long-term investment.
He repaid that faith early with 36 goals and 17 assists in his first 54 appearances, but pressure mounted as his influence waned in recent months — a run marked by two assists and no goals in 12 appearances prior to Sunday.
His resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time as Chelsea close in on European qualification and hope to end the season with momentum under their young squad.
With three league games remaining, Chelsea will look to lock in their European spot. The club’s next fixture sees them travel to Newcastle in a high-stakes clash with potential top-four implications.
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