Palmer's amazing display for Chelsea ensures they beat Newcastle
Raising star Cole Palmer's amazing performance secures the three points for Chelsea against Newcastle.
The 21-year-old scored and assisted for the Blues during their 3-2 win against Newcastle, their 11th Premier League win of the campaign.
Palmer's shot towards goal was flicked in by Nicolas Jackson for their first of the night and he thumped in their second with a fine finish from the edge of the box.
With every passing week, the £40million Chelsea spent to buy him from Manchester City looks even more like a bargain.
And his victory-inspiring performance on Monday night has seen the attacking midfielder emulate the output of one of the world's best.
Palmer and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid both sit on 19 goal contributions in Europe's top five leagues this season, the most of any player aged 21 or below.
Bellingham has scored 16 goals for Real Madrid and assisted three in La Liga, with the 20-year-old enjoying a record-breaking campaign.
Back in London, Palmer now sits on 11 goals and eight assists in the Premier League, making him a fan favourite at Stamford Bridge.
He has been a consistently bright light in a young Chelsea squad that has often been scrutinised amid the club's immense spending.
Performances from Mauricio Pochettino's side have fluctuated all season and their ability to compete at the top has been questioned.
However, Palmer took the opportunity to reiterate that the Chelsea project will take time and their true quality will soon be on show.
"There's so much talent around Chelsea that the fans don't see and you [the media] don't see," he told Sky Sports.
"If not next season, the season after, you will see it sooner or later. We're still in the FA Cup and hopefully win on Sunday to get to Wembley again."
Chelsea emerged as deserved winners against Newcastle, although they were certainly made to work for all three points.
Jackson's opener was followed by Alexander Isak's driven finish which came from the Blues' inability to properly clear their lines.
Palmer restored their lead before a dazzling run and finish from Mykhailo Mudryk ensured that Chelsea sealed the win.
A late stunner from Jacob Murphy meant the Blues were sweating in stoppage time but they did well to hold on and see out the result.
It comes as a huge relief to Pochettino, who has come under increased fan criticism in recent weeks amid poor results.
Before the visit to Newcastle, he insisted he would never quit the club despite the levels of pressure that come with the job.
Chelsea remain 11th in the Premier League but could move up to eighth and within touching distance of the European spots if they win their game in hand.