In a candid revelation following Chelsea’s 3-1 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool on May 4, 2025, star midfielder Cole Palmer admitted to feeling like he was letting his team down during a challenging three-month period without a goal in the Premier League. The 22-year-old England international, who has been a pivotal figure for the Blues since his move from Manchester City, finally ended his 18-game goal drought with a stoppage-time penalty that sealed the win at Stamford Bridge, boosting Chelsea’s hopes of securing a Champions League spot.
Palmer’s barren run began after scoring his 14th Premier League goal of the season in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth on January 14, 2025. What followed was a frustrating spell spanning 1,162 minutes across 18 matches in all competitions, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Conference League, where he failed to find the net. Despite his undeniable talent and creative contributions, the lack of goals weighed heavily on the young playmaker. Speaking to Sky Sports after the Liverpool match, Palmer expressed his relief and determination, stating, “Getting chances and not scoring, it feels like you’re letting your team down. I feel like I am mentally strong anyway. I feel pride in helping the team and if I’m not doing that, I’m not happy.” His honesty highlighted the pressure he felt to deliver for his teammates and fans.
The match against a much-changed Liverpool side, who had recently clinched the Premier League title, showcased Palmer at his brilliant best. He was instrumental in Chelsea’s dominant performance, contributing to all three goals. Early in the game, he played a key role in a sweeping move that led to Enzo Fernandez’s opener just three minutes in—the earliest Premier League goal at Stamford Bridge since 2017. In the second half, Palmer’s low cross caused chaos in Liverpool’s defense, resulting in an own goal by Jarell Quansah after Virgil van Dijk’s clearance struck his teammate. Finally, in stoppage time, Palmer coolly converted a penalty after Quansah fouled Moises Caicedo, marking his first league goal since January and taking his Premier League tally for Chelsea to 37, placing him 10th on the club’s all-time list.
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca praised Palmer’s resilience, emphasizing that the drought did not diminish his overall impact. “He’s that kind of player that can do things no one expects,” Maresca said, noting that Palmer’s form remained strong despite external criticism. The coach also highlighted the importance of Palmer and striker Nicolas Jackson finding the net as Chelsea push for a top-five finish. The victory moved Chelsea level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle, with only goals scored separating the two sides, setting up a crucial clash against the Magpies on May 11.
Palmer’s performance was a testament to his mental fortitude, especially in the face of harsh criticism from social media trolls. In a passionate post-match interview, he dismissed his detractors as “idiots” and “trolls,” adding, “S*** happens,” in a moment that prompted an on-air apology from Sky Sports. His teammate Moises Caicedo lauded his work ethic, saying, “He deserves it. He is working hard to get goals. Cole is an amazing guy. He always trains hard, we are so happy for him.” The penalty not only ended Palmer’s personal drought but also underscored his importance to Chelsea’s ambitions, both in the Premier League and in their near-certain progression to the UEFA Conference League final.
Reflecting on the drought, Palmer admitted it fueled his determination. “It just gives me more motivation and more fight to do well, not just for myself but for my team,” he said. Despite the lean spell, he remains Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League this season with 15 goals, five more than Jackson, and his 22 goals from the previous campaign still resonate as a benchmark of his potential. Posts on X echoed the sentiment of relief and admiration, with fans and analysts alike celebrating his return to form and his defiance against online critics.