Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer (Image: Sky Sports)
Cole Palmer has warned that he feels like himself again ahead of Chelsea's huge clash against Newcastle United as the Magpies look to 'learn lessons' from the reverse fixture.
Palmer scored his first Premier League goal since January in Chelsea's 3-1 win against much-changed Liverpool to help his side move level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle. Palmer was named man of the match at Stamford Bridge after having a hand in all three of Chelsea's goals; creating the most chances (four); playing the most passes in the final third (13); and making the most interceptions (three).
It was a reminder of what Palmer can do - not that Newcastle needed one after the England international hurt the black-and-whites in a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge back in October. Not only did Palmer open the scoring - the Chelsea star also played a key role in the Blues' second with a superb pass to Pedro Neto in the build-up to the hosts' doubling their lead.
Eddie Howe was the first to recognise that Newcastle found an 'outstanding talent' to be 'really elusive on transitions' that afternoon. Although Newcastle never fixate on one player - the Magpies defend as a unit - Howe said that his side 'learned the lessons' after 'analysing and reflecting' and will 'pass that information on to the players'. You suspect the hosts will be well-briefed at St James' Park on Sunday following Palmer's return to form.
"I'm happy to score, but it's only one and I've got to keep improving and try to reach new levels," Palmer told Sky Sports. "When you're getting chances and not scoring, you're letting your team down at the end of the day.
"Personally I feel like I'm mentally strong anyway so whatever people say doesn't bother me. I've had it all my life growing up so I don't really care but, obviously, I feel pride in helping the team and if I'm not doing that, I'm not happy. I felt like myself. I felt confident. I was trying things: first-time passes, playing forwards, just playing free."
Newcastle will take confidence from previously limiting Palmer's influence at St James' ahead of Sunday's huge game. The Magpies have also won eight of their last 10 league fixtures at home while Chelsea have only triumphed once on the road in the top-flight in that time.