Chelsea are enjoying a remarkable run of form, clinching their fourth successive Premier League victory in a dramatic clash on Sunday afternoon. The Blues mounted an incredible comeback to turn a 2-0 deficit into a thrilling 4-3 win over rivals Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The match was packed with sensational moments, including long-range strikes from Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernández. Cole Palmer stole the spotlight with two clinical second-half penalty conversions, the second of which was an audacious Panenka, showcasing his confidence and skill under pressure.
Cole Palmer’s Impeccable Penalty Record
Palmer’s display further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most reliable penalty takers. His successful penalties in this game extended his flawless Premier League spot-kick record to 12, surpassing the previous mark set by Yaya Touré. This milestone highlights Palmer’s calmness and technical excellence, with the Panenka adding flair to his achievement.
Chelsea’s Rising Title Aspirations
The victory lifted Chelsea above Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League standings, placing them second behind Liverpool. Despite Liverpool having a game in hand, the Blues are just four points adrift of the league leaders and firmly in the title race. With an upcoming fixture list that includes Brentford, Everton, Fulham, Ipswich, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Wolves, Chelsea has a strong chance to maintain their momentum and push for the title.
Palmer’s Star Continues to Shine
Palmer’s outstanding performances have drawn widespread acclaim. Pundit Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, hailed him as the Premier League’s best player since the start of last season. With his brace against Tottenham, Palmer now leads the league in direct goal contributions, edging out Mohamed Salah, albeit with three extra appearances.
Real Madrid’s Interest in Palmer
The 22-year-old’s remarkable rise has caught the attention of Real Madrid, with reports from Spain indicating the Spanish giants are closely monitoring him. Club president Florentino Pérez is said to admire Palmer’s talent and potential to become a global superstar. Chelsea secured Palmer for £42.5 million, a fee now considered a bargain. His market value has since soared, with the CIES Football Observatory estimating it at £96 million—likely a conservative figure.
Palmer extended his contract with Chelsea in August, committing to the club until 2033. As such, any move would require a significant fee, which could be a stumbling block for potential suitors.
Parallels with Hazard’s Departure?
Chelsea fans may be uneasy about the possibility of losing Palmer to Real Madrid, drawing parallels with Eden Hazard’s departure in 2019. Despite Hazard’s record-breaking £88.5 million transfer, his Madrid tenure was marred by injuries, leading to a disappointing return of seven goals in 76 appearances before retiring at 32.
If Real Madrid pursue Palmer, they will aim to avoid repeating Hazard’s misfortunes. Unlike Hazard, Palmer is at the beginning of his career and has already demonstrated exceptional reliability. With Madrid’s recent investments in young stars like Aurélien Tchouaméni, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham, the club might consider breaking their transfer record to sign the Englishman. However, convincing Chelsea to part ways with their rising star will undoubtedly be a formidable challenge.
