Cole Palmer Silences \'Trolls\' With Drought-Ending Penalty Against LFC
Cole Palmer ended his 18-game goalless streak with a late penalty as Chelsea defeated Premier League champions Liverpool 3-1 on Sunday, giving the Blues a boost in their pursuit of European qualification.
The 21-year-old forward\'s drought had stretched back to mid-January, an unexpected spell for a player who has been Chelsea\'s standout performer this season. Palmer\'s penalty helped secure a crucial victory that strengthens Chelsea\'s position in the race for Champions League qualification.
Chelsea are also strong favorites to reach the Conference League final while facing Champions League rivals Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in their remaining Premier League fixtures. The victory maintains their push for a top-five finish in Maresca\'s first season at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer\'s Return To Form
Maresca insisted Palmer\'s performance level had not dropped during his goalless run. The Italian manager emphasized that Palmer maintained his quality in training throughout the difficult period.
\"We saw Cole day by day in the training ground, and he was exactly the same way: scoring goals, happy, enjoying the session,\" Maresca said. \"Of course when he is not scoring goals he is not happy, because he wants to help the club reach something important.\"
\"I said before that if we want to finish top five, we need Cole and Nico [Jackson] to score. Now we have three more [league] games, and on Thursday the second leg [in Europe], and hopefully he can help us.\"
Palmer acknowledged his frustration during the drought but expressed determination to maintain his mental fortitude.
“Obviously [expletive] happens,\" said Palmer. \"I went three months without scoring but it just gives me more motivation, more fight to do well, not just for myself but for the team.
“You know yourself social media is just full of idiots, trolls or whatever. I don’t pay no attention. To score today I’m happy. It’s only one and I’ve got to keep improving to try and reach my levels. For anyone not getting chances, not scoring, you’re letting your team down at the end of the day. I feel like I’m mentally strong anyway.”