Chelsea manager, Mauricio Pochettino hailed Cole Palmer’s “massive” contribution to the Blues’ attack after the former Manchester City youngster registered a goal and an assist in Saturday’s hard-fought victory over Sheffield United.
Palmer broke the Blades’ resistance when he slotted home Raheem Sterling’s pass early in the second half, before teeing up Nicolas Jackson for the Blues’ second not long afterwards.
The 21-year-old has been directly involved in 13 goals during his 19 appearances since signing from the 2022-23 Treble winners in the summer.
“For me he’s a playmaker – a player who can link the team,” Pochettino told BBC Match of the Day. “He also has the capacity to score goals and give assists.
“The contribution of Cole Palmer from day one has been massive.”
Chelsea enjoyed almost 80% possession across the 90 minutes, but Conor Gallagher’s long-range effort was their only shot on target in a forgettable first half for Pochettino’s team.
Cameron Archer curled wide for the visitors in the first half and full Chelsea debutant Djordje Petrovic pulled off a fine save from Gustavo Hamer’s low free-kick, but that was the closest the visitors came to a breakthrough.
Second-half substitute Armando Broja should have increased Chelsea’s lead late in the second half but somehow skewed Palmer’s low delivery off target from point-blank range.
The Blues move up to tenth place on 22 points, while Sheffield United remain five points from safety at the foot of the table.
SOURCE: BBC
