Liam Rosenior’s best moment as Chelsea manager came on Wednesday night as he masterminded a 3-2 comeback win to down Napoli and book Chelsea’s place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Chelsea were tasked with securing a win to remain in the top eight and reach the last 16 without having to go through the pain of the play-offs. Enzo Fernandez scored an early penalty to give promising signs.
But Chelsea were pegged back by an injury-ravaged Napoli. A side without players like David Neres, Kevin De Bruyne and Billy Gilmour managed to not only equalise, but go 2-1 up before the half-time whistle.
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However, Chelsea came roaring back. Cole Palmer changed the game, coming on at half-time and laying on two assists for Joao Pedro. The first, a piledriver with his left, and the second, a perfect counterattack.
Liam Rosenior shares what Cole Palmer’s mood was like
Over the last few days, there has been talk that Palmer is unhappy at Chelsea and the playmaker would like to return north, with Man United keen. Rosenior made it clear Palmer is “untouchable”, pre-match.
Cole Palmer v Napoli.
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There have been signs of Palmer’s frustration, but mostly due to his niggling groin injuries. However, fit again at least for 45 minutes, Palmer reminded all what he can do and Rosenior was delighted with him.
Asked about Palmer, Rosenior said that Palmer was very happy in the dressing room, putting an end to any suggestion he is unhappy: “There’s no way Cole could have started and played 60/70 minutes.
“I thought later in the game we would be stronger. Cole was magnificent. We need to look after him. He’s a world-class player. There’s been a lot of talk – he was a very, very happy man in the changing room.”
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Palmer’s performance was applauded by many on Wednesday night. Steven Gerrard, watching his assist for Pedro’s second goal on TNT Sports, simply said, “lovely pass” with Pedro not needing to break stride.
Italian media were also complimentary towards Palmer, too. One outlet, Corriere Dello Sport, said this: “Palmer came on; the game changed thanks to the English talent, who twice sent Joao Pedro through.”
It will be interesting to see if Palmer starts on the weekend when Chelsea take on West Ham, which sees Rosenior face a fifth London side in just seven games after Charlton, Brentford, Arsenal and Crystal Palace.
The chances are that Palmer will be an option from the bench again on Saturday evening before Chelsea prepare to take on Arsenal in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at The Emirates, next week.
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