Cole Palmer received a standing ovation from Chelsea supporters as he orchestrated Saturday’s 2–0 Premier League victory over Everton, offering clear signs that the club’s standout performer of the past two seasons is regaining his best form after an injury-hit spell, reports Reuters.
Palmer provided the creativity Chelsea had lacked in recent weeks, directing Wesley Fofana to find Malo Gusto before darting into the box to collect Gusto’s quick return and calmly roll the ball past Jordan Pickford in the 21st minute.
With England head coach Thomas Tuchel watching from the stands, Palmer’s name drew the loudest cheer during the pre-match announcements. The home crowd again rose to applaud the 23-year-old when he was substituted after 58 minutes, as head coach Enzo Maresca continued to manage his gradual return to full fitness.
A groin strain followed by a foot injury—sustained after stubbing his toe on a door at home—had sidelined Palmer for much of the season. He made his first start since September in last weekend’s 0–0 draw with Bournemouth, and Saturday’s strike was only his second goal of the campaign. Palmer scored 15 league goals last season and 22 in his debut campaign at Stamford Bridge.
“I said many times that with Cole we are a better team,” Maresca told reporters, adding that the goal would boost not only Palmer but the entire squad.
Asked about Palmer’s prospects of returning to the England setup ahead of next summer’s World Cup, Maresca said fitness remained the priority. “He needs to be fit. If he is fit, for sure he has a chance,” he said.
Palmer himself admitted he is still short of full sharpness. “I wouldn’t say I’m at my best yet,” he told BBC television. “I’m still dealing with an injury. Hopefully it gets better and better, but there’s still a bit to go.”
Everton manager David Moyes said Palmer’s clinical finishing proved decisive. “I think everyone in the stadium, when they see Cole Palmer going through on goal on his left foot like that, everybody’s saying it probably looks like it will be a goal,” Moyes said.
Chelsea doubled their lead just before halftime when Gusto, who had set up Palmer’s opener, poked home a cross from winger Pedro Neto.
The victory lifted Chelsea to fourth place in the Premier League table, moving them above Crystal Palace, who face Manchester City on Sunday.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
