Cole Palmer’s stunning performance in Chelsea’s recent match against Everton has put him in contention for the Premier League Golden Boot. The 21-year-old netted a hat-trick within 29 minutes and added his 20th league goal of the season, bringing him level with Erling Haaland in the race for the coveted award. This achievement is even more remarkable considering that Palmer had never scored a league goal before joining Chelsea from Manchester City this summer.
Palmer’s move to Chelsea was driven by his desire for regular game time, as he had only started seven out of his 25 appearances for Manchester City last season. His decision seems to have paid off, as he has already scored an impressive 25 goals in 43 matches for Chelsea this season. The £42 million switch has proven to be a smart investment for both Palmer and his new club.
Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino expressed his delight with Palmer’s performance, stating, “You expect him to perform well, but he’s performing fantastic and doing amazing for the team.” With seven league matches remaining, Palmer has a great chance of finishing as the Premier League’s top scorer.
Palmer’s four-goal display against Everton showcased his versatility and clinical finishing. He scored with his left foot, his head, and his right foot, completing the fastest ‘perfect’ hat-trick in Premier League history since data recording began in 2008-09. His opening goal was a curling strike into the bottom corner after nutmegging an Everton defender and playing a one-two with teammate Nicolas Jackson. He followed it up with a header from a rebound and a lob from 40 yards out after intercepting a poor pass from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Palmer then sealed his hat-trick by calmly converting a penalty in the second half.
Palmer’s impressive performance led to several records and milestones. He became the first Chelsea player to score a first-half hat-trick in the Premier League and only the second player to score a hat-trick in back-to-back home Premier League appearances for the club. He also became the first Chelsea player to score in seven successive Premier League games at Stamford Bridge. Additionally, Palmer has a perfect penalty record, converting all nine penalties he has taken in the Premier League.
While Palmer is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot, he faces competition from other prolific strikers. Erling Haaland, who had a record-breaking season last year, is currently in stuttering form with just two goals in his last eight matches. Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa is also one goal behind Palmer and Haaland. Mohamed Salah, a three-time Golden Boot winner, is three goals off the top and remains a strong contender.
Fans have been quick to praise Palmer’s performance and suggest that he deserves a place in the England national team. Many believe that he could be the next successor to Harry Kane, highlighting his clinical finishing and ability to score penalties. Some even argue that England should build its team around Palmer, who has been performing exceptionally well despite not having the same quality of teammates as Phil Foden at Manchester City.
Overall, Cole Palmer’s remarkable rise from a Manchester City substitute to a key player at Chelsea has put him in contention for the Premier League Golden Boot. His recent performance against Everton showcased his skill, versatility, and clinical finishing ability. With several records and milestones already achieved, Palmer has established himself as one of the league’s most promising young talents. As the race for the Golden Boot heats up, all eyes will be on Palmer to see if he can maintain his impressive form and secure the prestigious award.