Cole Palmer hit back at his social media critics and admitted “sh*t happens” after ending his long-goal drought in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Liverpool this afternoon.
It was Palmer’s first goal in 19 games and was richly deserved after a brilliant display which proved too much for out-of-sorts Liverpool to handle.
The England international had already played a key role in Chelsea’s first two goals before getting his name on the scoresheet for the first time since mid-January with a stoppage-time penalty.
Virgil van Dijk scored Liverpool’s goal but it was Palmer’s day as Chelsea moved level on points with Newcastle in the fight for a Champions League place.
Cole Palmer slots it in from the spot 🥶 pic.twitter.com/AYDSzEasdA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 4, 2025
Palmer – I felt normal
Asked how he felt standing over the spot-kick, the former Manchester City playmaker told Sky Sports: “I just felt normal. Obviously sh*t happens, I went three months without scoring but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team.
“Social media nowadays is full of idiots, the trolls and whatever. I don’t pay any attention to that. I’ve scored today and I’m happy but it’s only one and I’ve got to keep improving and try to reach new levels.”
Palmer admitted he had been struggling to handle his recent barren spell.
He added: “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.”
No lack of motivation from Liverpool – Van Dijk
Liverpool were a long way from their best but captain Van Dijk insisted there was no lack of motivation despite them winning the title last weekend.
The Netherlands defender said: “There was chances for us to score – in the end they deserve the win. That’s the disappointing thing as we came here to win.
“Obviously we tried, but it wasn’t great. The way we trained, the sharpness that we had, everyone was ready for it.
“We knew it was going to be tough at times. We could have done better in the way we defended as a team, but we will analyse it tomorrow and prepare for the next game.”
He added: “We are very fortunate that we didn’t lose that many games in the league and this hurts. And it should hurt.
“Even when the job is done we came here to try get a good result. It has to hurt. I’m definitely disappointed.”
