Chelsea progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win over the Seagulls at Stamford Bridge, with Palmer assisting Nicolas Jackson for our winning goal.

Our No.20 was at the heart of everything for the Blues and, after impressing throughout, praised his team-mates for a strong showing and a much-needed victory.

‘That’s a big win for us,’ said Cole after the game. ‘I think it’s somewhat of a relief, especially off the back of some poor results, to get the victory.

‘We’ve shown tonight, against a very good side, what we are all about and we just need to build on this performance now and hopefully get some more wins.

‘It was a big night for me personally. Coming in for my first start, to get an assist and help the team win an important game, it feels amazing.’

The summer arrival from Manchester City was deployed by Mauricio Pochettino in the No.10 role against the Seagulls, with Palmer heavily involved in our link-up play.

That decision was rewarded shortly after the restart, when the England U21 international showed neat control and intelligent play to thread the ball through to Jackson for the winning goal, with Palmer expressing his delight to be at the heart of things for Chelsea.

‘I’m really pleased to have played a part tonight and scoring and assisting is what I like to do,’ added Cole.

‘I received the ball on the edge of the box and I just waited that split second, which gave me the space to find Nico.

‘Full credit to him, it was a great finish and he deserved that. He had a couple of chances before his goal that he didn’t take but he didn’t shy away and on another night he could have scored more than just the one. I’m really pleased for Nico.

‘I enjoyed playing in that role tonight but to be totally honest, I’m comfortable in any of the attacking positions. Whether that’s as a No.10, out wide on the left or right or even as striker, I’m happy to do a job for the team.

‘I like to get on the ball and that role allows me to do that but wherever the manager needs me, I’m happy to play.

‘We’ll enjoy this win, especially after the last three results, but now it’s important we build on this ahead of Monday’s game.’