Gary Neville has been slammed for mentioning Cole Palmer in the same breath as Cristiano Ronaldo following Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening. Despite Arne Slot rotating six players in his starting XI, the former Manchester United defender spoke glowingly of Chelsea’s display.
While Palmer didn’t register a goal contribution until late in the game - coolly converting a penalty won by Moises Caicedo - his influence was felt throughout. Operating from midfield, he was instrumental in engineering the opening goal and repeatedly unlocked Liverpool’s defence with splitting passes that had Virgil van Dijk and co. looking more like deer in headlights.
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Sky Apologise After Cole Palmer's Emotional Interview After Goal vs Liverpool
Palmer gave one of the best interviews we've seen this season after ending his lengthy goal drought against the Premier League champions, Liverpool.
Still, taking a look at the bigger picture was absolutely necessary. For Liverpool, the result mattered little as attention shifted to the off-season and plans for next year, proven by the convivial away scenes at full-time. For Chelsea, though, the win was essential as they aim to secure Champions League qualification. And Neville’s praise for Palmer - who hadn’t scored since January 14 - may have been a bit of a stretch given the context.
Gary Neville Causes Stir After Comparing Palmer to Ronaldo
Liverpool fans have been quick to urge the pundit to hold his horses
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Footage from the Chelsea dressing room quickly went viral after the final whistle, with many critics calling out the Blues for what they saw as overblown celebrations. However, the post-match excitement hasn't been limited to just those with a Stamford Bridge persuasion.
Neville, returning to his Sky Sports podcast after a brief hiatus - coincidentally the same weekend he was seen leaving Anfield as Liverpool clinched their 20th English league title just seven days ago - was back to offer his thoughts on Sunday’s late kick-off. He said (see the full segment below):
"He's nowhere near the level of Cristiano Ronaldo, but I'm putting him in the same sentence here. I think Cole Palmer has earnt the credit for the ability that he's got to put himself in that category whereby, wherever the game is for Chelsea, he can go and put himself there."
During the match, there were times when it felt Palmer could breathe slightly differently to the rest of his team and Neville would have something positive to say about it. As such, he has certainly drawn the ire of many supporters online, with some Liverpool fans now convinced the former Red Devils' defender is on an assignment to take the shine off their recent triumph.
"I know he had an alright game, but what is Neville smoking?" one X user questioned, while another added: "He's done nothing for months, scores one penalty, and suddenly he's Cristiano Ronaldo. What a load of waffle." A third remarked:
"This is honestly mental. Is there an inside joke between Neville and Carragher we’re not getting? It’s his first half-decent performance since December."
While a fourth continued: "This is genuinely weird," a fifth concluded: "Not sure Gary Neville has spoken enough about this goal and Cole Palmer. Funny, we scored 5 last weekend, and he didn’t have anything to say."