Palmer’s brilliance could be key moment in Chelsea’s Champions League quest

It was appropriate for Cole Palmer to return to his best, bringing Chelsea closer to a return to Europe’s elite competition, because of his exceptional talent.

He deserted him as he played 18 games in all competitions without scoring, leaving them with a fight to the top five after winning the title at one point early in the season, which had them as dark horses at one point.

Palmer was the catalyst for Chelsea’s 3-1 victory against newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge when Chelsea and head coach Enzo Maresca needed him.

After securing their 20th title in front of an enthralling Anfield last weekend, Chelsea still needed to take advantage, and their lavishly talented 22-year-old was the catalyst.

Palmer’s greatest accomplishment was this one, a hive of innovation and innovation that demonstrated why he is essential to his side’s pursuit of success.

His decline in performance has become a common topic of conversation, but he claims that his thoughts and behavior haven’t changed, as well as that he refuses to research any social media opinions.

Enzo Fernandez’s first-minute opener came from Pedro Neto after Palmer made a run through the center.

In the 56th minute, Palmer made a brilliant run to beat Kostas Tsimikas, causing such chaos in Liverpool’s defense that captain Virgil van Dijk lashed his clearance into the own net against team-mate Jarell Quansah.

Unfortunately, he did not end his goal drought sooner than he did when another outstanding move into the area saw the end of a shot that beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson but hit the post.

With the final kick of the game, a penalty in the sixth minute of added time, Palmer’s dry spell came to an end, putting an end to the worrying sequence that spanned back to 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on January 14.

Palmer had his biggest impact on a game that was so important for Chelsea, who are now only behind fourth-placed Newcastle United in goals scored (62 vs. 66) with a plus-21 goal difference.

Their next Premier League game will be against Tyneside on May 11th, which is exactly when they will be there.

Palmer produced a flawless performance, recording the most shots (55) and chances (44) with the most passes that came close to the final third (13), and also had the most touches in the opposition box (eight) of any Chelsea player.

Even taking into account his leaning spell, his worth is further strengthened by the fact that, for Chelsea, he has now scored 37 goals in 67 league games, placing him 10th overall in the league in all-time.

Palmer responded, “I just felt normal.” I went three months without scoring, which only serves to give me more fight and drive to do more for both the team and myself.

It seems as though you’re letting your team down when you score but don’t. I still believe I have strong mental health. I take pride in supporting the team, but I’m not happy if I don’t.

“The trolls, idiots, and other stuff are present in the social media today.” That is not something I pay any attention to. I’ve scored and I’m pleased, but there’s only one, so I need to keep improving and aiming for higher levels.

Head coach Maresca remarked, “We see him every day on the training ground and he is always the same, working hard and appearing happy.

He complains that he is unhappy when he doesn’t score because he only wants to help the team and the club.

Moises Caicedo, Palmer’s teammate, joined the chorus of applaudation when he said: “He deserves it. Quansah brought him down for Chelsea’s late penalty. He is putting in great effort to achieve goals. He had a chance, and he won.

“Cole is a fantastic guy. We are so proud of him because he always trains hard. Even when he didn’t score, he still helps us a lot. He deserves everything, and he is a great person.

How significant a victory for Chelsea was in the celebrations at Stamford Bridge for both the fans and players, as well as for Palmer. As the forward vanished under a collection of blue shirts, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez ran the length of the pitch to join in the scenes of elation.

If it turns out to be the day Palmer finally rediscovered his natural talent, it comes at a perfect moment for Londoners.

As Chelsea contemplate defining games against those who compete with them for those prized spots, a place in the Champions League will make life much simpler for Maresca and everyone there.

On May 25, the final day of the campaign, they will travel to Nottingham Forest, which is currently three points behind in sixth place. Chelsea’s destiny will be determined by these events for the upcoming season.