Cole Palmer Shines as Chelsea's Matchwinner in Derby Victory

Cole Palmer has started the new campaign exactly where he left off – dragging Chelsea through big moments and collecting awards along the way.

The 22-year-old has been voted Player of the Matchweek for Matchweek 1 after a commanding performance in Chelsea’s breathless 3-2 west London derby win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Palmer set the tone early. He slipped in Joao Pedro for the opener, stamping his authority on the contest before Fulham had settled. When the game began to tilt and the tension rose after the break, it was Palmer again who decided it, scoring what proved to be the winner at the start of the second half.

The numbers back up what the eyes already knew. Palmer attempted five shots, more than any of his team-mates. He took nine touches inside the Fulham box, constantly probing, constantly threatening. He won 10 duels, fought for everything, and still had the energy and awareness to recover possession seven times – in every one of those categories, he led Chelsea.

The pressure finally told in the fan vote as well. Palmer claimed 40 per cent of the supporters’ poll, comfortably ahead of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard on 22 per cent, to secure his first Player of the Matchweek award of the season.

It is not unfamiliar territory for him. The last time he took the honour was Matchweek 25 of the previous campaign, when he hit a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Different opponent, same story: when Chelsea need a matchwinner, Palmer keeps putting his hand up.