Cole Palmer Named Player of the Matchweek After Dazzling Performance
Cole Palmer has started the new campaign exactly where he left off – at the centre of everything.
The Chelsea playmaker has been named Player of the Matchweek for Matchweek 1 after a dazzling performance in the Blues’ 3-2 win over Fulham in the west London derby at Craven Cottage.
Palmer pulled the strings from the first whistle. He set the tone with the assist for Joao Pedro’s early opener, carving Fulham open and giving Chelsea control in a fixture that rarely allows it. When the game threatened to tilt back towards the hosts after the break, Palmer stepped up again, driving home what proved to be the winner at the start of the second half.
Performance Statistics
- He attempted five shots.
- He had nine touches inside the Fulham box.
- He won 10 duels.
- He recovered possession seven times.
In every one of those categories, he led Chelsea.
The fans responded to that authority. Palmer claimed 40 per cent of the public vote for Player of the Matchweek, comfortably clear of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who finished second on 22 per cent.
For Palmer, it is a familiar prize, but one that confirms his growing status. This is his first Player of the Matchweek award since Matchweek 25 of last season, when he hit a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Different season, same story: when Chelsea need a matchwinner, Palmer keeps putting his hand up. How long before this becomes his league, not just his matchweek?
