We detail the pivotal role Cole Palmer played in helping the Blues get our Premier League campaign up and running with a victory at Fulham.
Our No10 was at his very best at Craven Cottage. Palmer assisted and scored a goal in the same Premier League game for the first time since February’s draw with Leeds United, with his cute finish early in the second half ultimately settling the contest.
That was one of a game-high five attempts Palmer registered against Fulham, while he also led the way for successful dribbles (five), duels won (10), touches in the opposition box (nine) and fouls won (three).
Brimming with confidence
All those statistics point to the intent and confidence with which Palmer played. His nine attempted take-ons showed just how keen he was to beat his man, with one twisting and turning run in the second half nearly culminating in a special solo strike.
Xabi Alonso’s system, using Palmer in a pocket alongside Morgan Rogers and off Joao Pedro, helped our No10 receive the ball. He spent more time in possession than every Chelsea outfielder bar Reece James, Josh Acheampong and Morgan Lacroix.
Palmer was consistently effective when he had the ball at his feet. His assist for Joao Pedro’s record-breaking goal – the fastest ever scored in the Premier League on an opening weekend – was one of three key passes Palmer played, a figure bettered only by Rogers’ five.
Penetrating passes
In total, Palmer completed 88 per cent of his passes, significantly higher than the team average of 82 per cent. A significant proportion (14) were played in the final third, too, highlighting his willingness to take risks.
The weight and direction of Palmer’s passes were pivotal to our first and second goals, while his own strike showed his pinpoint accuracy in front of goal. The angle was narrow, so he aimed to slip the ball through Bernd Leno’s legs – and succeeded.
Promising link-up
Palmer wasn’t afraid to do his defensive work, either. He won two tackles and recovered possession seven times, including on three occasions in the final third. Those high turnovers proved instrumental for our first two goals of the night.
Palmer was ably assisted by Joao Pedro and Rogers. That trio played 20 passes between them and showed signs of an understanding that bodes very well for the future – as does Palmer’s elite display.