Palmer stuns United with late, late brace in thriller
Premier League
Chelsea 4 (Gallagher 4', Palmer 19' (P), 90+10' (P), 90+11')
Manchester Utd 3 (Garnacho 34’, 67’, Fernandes 39‘)
COLE Palmer struck twice in added time to complete his hat-trick and give a dramatic, enthralling game a late twist and deliver the victory that Mauricio Pochettino hopes will be a turning point in the final moments of Chelsea’s season.
Having seen a two goal lead overturned by a Manchester United side seemingly coasting to victory, Pochettino’s side were handed a lifeline in the seventh minute of added time when Diogo Dalot brought down Noni Madueke, allowing Palmer to convert his second penalty of the evening.
Worse was to come for Erik ten Hag’s United side when Palmer fired in the winning goal from the edge of the box two minutes later to clinch victory that, for once this season, triggered euphoric scenes at Stamford Bridge.
Both managers had insisted before kick-off this was a ‘must-win’ game, a point underlined by the full-bloodied nature of the contest. Pochettino got his wish, diverting attention away from questions about his own future while Ten Hag faced more misery.
Conor Gallagher and Palmer’s penalty put Chelsea in control but Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes brought United level before the break. Garnacho added United’s third but that proved insufficient.
It had started so promisingly for Chelsea with Gallagher providing the home side with the perfect start. The chance came when Chelsea exploited the space that opened up Diogo Dalot, operating as a makeshift left-back, opted to track Cole Palmer infield. Kobbie Mainoo’s misplaced pass allowed Enzo Fernandez to release Malo Gusto on the right wing and the full-back advanced towards the byline before delivering a low
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