Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea took on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge in London in the Premier League on Monday evening.
Neither Chelsea nor Newcastle United are having a particularly good season, and neither team will get into the top four. I think that Tottenham Hotspur are favourites for the fourth UEFA Champions League spot.
Chelsea won the match against Newcastle 3-2. Cole Palmer was the star for the Blues. The 21-year-old attacker provided an assist and scored a goal. Scott Parker was impressed.
As you see below, Garth Crooks has included Palmer in his Premier League Team of the Week for BBC Sport.
The former Tottenham Hotspur forward has noted just how good the England international has been for Chelsea this season.
Garth Crooks praises Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer
Crooks told BBC Sport about Palmer: “This kid has been a revelation since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. It was clear that Manchester City weren’t prepared to give him the game time he thought he needed and how could they with Kevin de Bruyne, Silva, Rodri and Foden occupying the space with Jack Grealish getting the occasional game. The smart move was to leave and get the playing time his talent deserved elsewhere.
“Well he did just that and in his first season in top-flight football has scored 11 Premier League goals. It was Palmer’s strike that was cleverly diverted in to the Newcastle goal by Nicolas Jackson but there was no mistake with his superb finish that put Chelsea 2-1 up against the visitors.
“Palmer is an exceptional talent and it will be interesting to see if Gareth Southgate – who was watching the youngster perform against the Magpies – selects him in the England squad for the forthcoming internationals. I think he’s earned it.”
My View: Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s best player this season
In my opinion, Cole Palmer has been the best player for Chelsea this season. I think that the 21-year-old, who can operate as a winger or as an attacking midfielder, has been superb for the Blues.
Leaving Manchester City for Chelsea in the summer of 2023 was a big decision for Palmer, and I think that the England international’s performances this season have shown that it was the right move.
It was always going to be hard for Palmer to play week in and week out for City. After all, the defending Premier League champions have a very strong attacking unit.
At Chelsea, Palmer has carved out a place for himself and is one of the first names on head coach Mauricio Pochettino’s teamsheet when he is fit and available.
Palmer has made 19 starts and four substitute appearances in the Premier League for Chelsea this season. He has scored 11 goals and given eight assists in those games.
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