Cole Palmer insists Chelsea need to ‘keep going and winning the games’
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Cole Palmer mentioned that it's premature to make any predictions about Chelsea's final standing this season, even after their convincing victory against Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The 3-0 victory propelled the Blues into third place, matching the record of second-placed Arsenal. Enzo Maresca’s team delivered what may have been the most impressive performance from a Chelsea squad since Clearlake Capital took over.
In the past two and a half seasons, it’s tough to recall a performance that had such vitality and teamwork. Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Enzo Fernandez in the first half, followed by a remarkable late goal from Palmer, secured the team’s third consecutive victory across all competitions.
Maresca has consistently dismissed any idea that his team is competing for the championship.
However, with the significant progress made since his arrival, there is an increasing sense in west London that the club has moved past the difficult phase that marked the initial years of the American group's ownership.
Palmer, however, refrained from discussing the team's goals.
"It's still too soon to make any predictions," he remarked.
"Our goal is to keep winning so we can reach the top four. However, as the coach pointed out, teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have been playing together for over five years, while we are still a relatively new squad with just one season under our belt. All we can do is focus on our progress and continue to win matches."
Palmer's goal made him the second quickest player in Chelsea's history to score 30 goals in the Premier League, following Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The ex-Netherlands national player scored 87 goals in 177 matches for the team from 2000 to 2004. He made the move from Atletico Madrid in a record-breaking £15 million transfer for the club at the time.
Palmer has reached the milestone of 30 goals while primarily playing in the number 10 position, supporting a single forward. On top of his remarkable goal tally, he has also contributed 18 assists since the beginning of last season.
"I wasn't aware of that," Palmer replied when he found out he ranked just behind Hasselbaink.
If we continue to win, we could find ourselves close to a top-four finish. However, as the coach pointed out, teams like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Arsenal have been working together for over five years, while we have only been together for just one season.
"To be honest, Jimmy wasn't a bad forward. I'm not updated on the stats unless someone fills me in. He’s a true legend at Chelsea and in the Premier League."
The victory against Villa followed Maresca's decision to make 10 alterations to the lineup that won 2-0 against Heidenheim in the Conference League on Thursday, with Jadon Sancho being the only player to retain his position.
Unai Emery’s team, many of whom participated in the scoreless Champions League match against Juventus on Wednesday, appeared worn out against a lively Chelsea squad. Chelsea consistently pressed them, preventing them from finding their rhythm, and at times truly outplayed them.
"Palmer mentioned that the manager is skilled at his job, which is why they have confidence in him."
"The cup tournaments are great because fans stay local, which means the players stay fresh and can mix things up. Ultimately, it comes down to the coach and the passion he brings to the training sessions, along with the effort the players put in for him. You can really see it in the way we played on the field."
