Goal drought gave Palmer 'more fight and determination' to find net again

The England international was on target from the penalty spot as the Blues boosted their Champions League qualifying hopes with a 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

It was a player-of-the-match display from Palmer, who registered the most shots (five), most chances created (four), joint-most passes into the final third (13) and joint-most touches in the opposing box (eight) of any Chelsea player.

And he rounded off a fine performance by slotting home from the penalty spot for his first league goal in over three months, 1,162 minutes after his last.

It took Palmer's Premier League tally for Chelsea to 37, moving him to 10th place on the club's all-time list.

"I just felt normal. Obviously, it happens," he told Sky Sports. "I went three months without scoring, but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team.

"Today, I felt confident, I was trying things, first-time passes, playing forward.

"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.

"I've scored today, and I'm happy, but it's only one. I've got to keep improving and try and reach new levels."

Cole moves up to 10th in our all time top #PL goalscorers.pic.twitter.com/Jlf9BV8578

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 4, 2025

Moises Caicedo, who was fouled for the penalty that Palmer converted, saluted his team-mate.

"He deserves it. He is working hard to get goals," the midfielder said. "Now, it was his opportunity and he scored.

"He's an amazing guy, always trains hard. He helps us a lot, even when he doesn't score. He deserves everything."

Chelsea remain in fifth spot but now hold a three-point cushion over sixth-place Nottingham Forest, who play Crystal Palace on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Blues turn their attention to the Europa Conference League semi-finals, in which they hold a 4-1 lead over Djurgarden ahead of Thursday's second leg at Stamford Bridge.

"[Liverpool] forced us to defend for moments in the game, and the players dealt very well with that," Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Match of the Day.

"[The win is] very important at this stage of the season, but it is not done. We need to play three games and go game by game.