Cole Palmer, with his goal against Bournemouth, has matched an achievement of Eden Hazard during his time in a Chelsea shirt. With the goal at Stamford Bridge, the 22-year-old standout for The Blues has joined a list of illustrious goal scorers in the Premier League.
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On Tuesday, Cole Palmer added yet another highlight to his already remarkable season with a vital goal against Bournemouth.
This marked his second goal of the calendar year and brought his Premier League tally to an impressive 14 goals. The young Englishman continues to shine in his debut season for Chelsea, consistently demonstrating his value on the pitch. His contributions have placed him among the Premier League's top scorers, with only Mohamed Salah (18 goals) and Erling Haaland (16 goals) ahead of him.
Palmer’s influence on Chelsea’s attack goes beyond just scoring. With six assists to his name, he has been directly involved in 20 goals this season a feat he has now achieved in two consecutive Premier League campaigns. This level of consistency is rare, and Palmer's ability to combine goals and assists has solidified his role as a key player for the club. Remarkably, he is the first Chelsea player to achieve such numbers in back-to-back seasons since Eden Hazard, whose contributions to the club remain legendary.
Hazard, widely regarded as one of Chelsea’s all-time greats, managed this feat over three consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2015. Palmer, still only 22 years old, has shown signs of following in Hazard’s footsteps as a player who can carry the team offensively. Last season, Palmer finished with 22 league goals and 11 assists for Chelsea, setting the stage for what has been another standout campaign. His journey with the London club began in the summer of 2023 when he was signed from Manchester City, and his impact has been nothing short of extraordinary. In just 68 official matches for Chelsea, Palmer has scored 39 goals a phenomenal record that underscores his ability to adapt and thrive under pressure.
Against Bournemouth, Palmer's goal also marked his 36th in the Premier League, a milestone he reached in just 50 appearances for Chelsea. This achievement puts him in elite company, as only four players in Premier League history have scored more goals in their first 50 matches for a club. The list includes some of the greatest goal scorers in the league's history: Erling Haaland (51 goals for Manchester City), Alan Shearer (45 goals for Blackburn Rovers), Andy Cole (41 goals for Newcastle United), and Mohamed Salah (40 goals for Liverpool). Palmer’s inclusion in this group speaks volumes about his talent and his potential to become one of the Premier League’s top stars.
Palmer’s rise to prominence has been meteoric, but it hasn’t come without challenges. Joining Chelsea in a transitional period, he has had to navigate the pressures of playing for a club with high expectations while also adapting to a new team and manager. However, his ability to deliver consistently, both in terms of goals and assists, has silenced any doubts about his quality. His technical skill, composure in front of goal, and vision to create opportunities for teammates have made him a vital cog in Chelsea’s attacking system.
Looking ahead, Palmer’s current form suggests that he could potentially contend for the Golden Boot, a remarkable achievement considering the competition from established stars like Salah and Haaland. His performances have also reignited Chelsea fans' hopes for a successful season, with many viewing him as the focal point of the club’s resurgence. The 22-year-old’s work ethic, maturity, and ability to rise to big occasions have earned him comparisons to some of the Premier League’s finest attacking players, and his future at Stamford Bridge looks exceptionally bright.
In addition to his contributions at club level, Palmer’s performances have not gone unnoticed on the international stage. As an England international, he has become an increasingly important figure in Gareth Southgate’s plans, and his current form will undoubtedly make him a key player for the national team in the upcoming tournaments. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations bodes well for both Chelsea and England, as Palmer continues to prove himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football.
Palmer’s journey is a testament to hard work, talent, and the ability to seize opportunities. From his early days at Manchester City’s academy to his breakout seasons at Chelsea, he has shown a relentless drive to succeed. As he continues to break records and make headlines, one thing is clear: Cole Palmer is a name that will be remembered in Premier League history. With 36 goals in just 50 Premier League matches and a growing list of achievements, he is not just a rising star but a player already making his mark among the league’s elite. The future looks incredibly promising for both Palmer and Chelsea as they aim for further success together.
Updated: 02:36, 15 Jan 2025
