Cole Palmer says that his goal drought him “more fight and determination” after he finally returned to the score sheet during the victory of Chelsea over Liverpool.
The international of England was on goal from the penalty spot when the blues increased their Champions League-qualifying hope with a 3-1 win over Stamford Bridge.
It was a player-of-the-match display from Palmer, who registered the most shots (five), created the most opportunities (four), joints in the last third (13) and the joint touches in the opposite box (eight) of each Chelsea player.
And he took a nice version by going home from the penalty spot for his first competition goal in more than three months, 1,162 minutes after his last.
It cost Palmer's Premier League count for Chelsea to 37 and moved him to 10th place on the list of the club of all time.
“I just felt normal. It happens clearly,” he told Sky Sports. “I went without scoring for three months, but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team.
“Today I felt confident, I tried things, fit for the first time and played ahead.
“Getting opportunities and not scoring, it feels like you drop your team. I feel that I am mentally strong anyway. I am proud to help the team and if I don't, I'm not happy.
“I scored today and I am happy, but it is only one. I have to keep improving and try to achieve new levels.”
Cole moves up to 10th in our top #pl gointcorers.pic.twitter.com/JLF9BV8578
– Chelsea FC (@chelseafc) 4 May 2025
Moises Caicedo, who was polluted in front of the penalty that Palmer converted, greeted his teammate.
“He deserves it. He works hard to get goals,” said the midfielder. “Now it was his chance and he scored.
“He is a great guy, always trains hard. He helps us a lot, even if he doesn't score. He deserves everything.”
Chelsea remains in fifth place, but now holds a three -point pillow over the sixth place Nottingham Forest, who play Crystal Palace on Monday.
In the meantime, the blues focus their attention on the semi-final of the Europa Conference League, in which they have a 4-1 lead on Djurgarden prior to Thursday's second stage at Stamford Bridge.
“[Liverpool] Forced us to defend for moments in the game, and the players dealt with it very well, “Chelsea -Baas Enzo told Maresca to the BBC match of the day.
“[The win is] Very important in this phase of the season, but it is not done. We have to play three games and go by game.
“Because of the team, the future is rosy for the club. Now we have the second stage on Thursday [against Djurgarden]. We have to concentrate on that and try to reach the European final. “