By Samuel A. May 4, 2025
Chelsea star man Cole Palmer ended his goal drought on Sunday against Liverpool, scoring a penalty in the closing moments to make it 3-1 and bury the game. The youngster then issued a response to social media “idiots and trolls” for the criticism he has received over recent months after ending his goal drought against Liverpool.
The Chelsea midfielder, who enjoyed such a stunning first season at Stamford Bridge in 2023/24, as well as an impressive first half of the season in 2024/25, had managed only two goal contributions in his previous 12 games before Sunday’s win over the newly crowned league champions, but his player of the match performance and last minute penalty, his first goal since January 14, put those woes behind him, with Noni Madueke also celebrating his strike by mocking the criticism he has received.
Palmer could already have had a goal before then, but was denied by the far post after cleverly beating Alisson from a tight angle in a showing in which the England midfielder looked back to his best.
Speaking to the media after the game, Palmer hit back at some of the comments aimed in his direction during his struggles. The 22 year old said they did not affect him, but that his own critique of his performances had left him feeling like he was “letting the team down”. “Sh*t happens,” he said, talking about his long spell without a goal. “It gives me more fight to do well not just for myself, but for my team. Social media nowadays is full of idiots, the trolls and whatever. I don’t pay any attention to that. To score today, I’m happy, but I’ve got to keep improving and try to reach new levels. If you’re getting chances and not scoring… you’re letting your team down at the end of the day. I feel like I’m mentally strong anyway so whatever people say, it doesn’t bother me. I’ve had it all the time growing up. I feel pride in helping the team and if I’m not doing that, I’m not happy. Today, I felt like myself. I felt confident, I was trying things, first time passes, playing forward, playing free and when you have Moises Caicedo next to you, it’s a dream.”
