While Joao Pedro will take all the plaudits for Chelsea’s win against Napoli, the Blues were bolstered by the impact of one of Liam Rosenior’s substitutes.
Cole Palmer entered the fray at half-time with Chelsea 2-1 down, before he assisted Pedro twice to complete a 3-2 turnaround victory.
Rosenior protected Palmer by not featuring him against Crystal Palace, with that gamble paying off as they assured their place in the Champions League group stage top eight.
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Napoli 2-3 Chelsea
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Pedro praised Palmer after the game, and the boss will be hopeful that by March when they are back in action in Europe, he will be ready to feature for 90 minutes again.
SSC Napoli v Chelsea FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8
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Cole Palmer enters the record books after Champions League cameo vs Napoli
Using him as a substitute is the next best thing though, and his impact has seen him go into the record books for Chelsea players in this competition.
According to OptaJoe, Palmer is just the second player to assist two goals off the bench for the Blues in the Champions League, and the first since 2009.
The only previous example of this was from Nicolas Anelka, who picked up two assists against Liverpool in a crazy Champions League knockout tie with Liverpool.
Chelsea will be up against one of PSG, Newcastle, Monaco or Qarabag in the Round of 16, which will be found out in Friday’s draw.
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Chelsea laugh off talk of Cole Palmer exit
There is no surprise that other clubs would love to sign Palmer if the opportunity arose. He is clearly one of the best players in world football.
Manchester United have won two games and believe they are ready to compete at the top again, as reports have surfaced that they could be interested in bringing him back home.
However, Chelsea have privately laughed off interest in Palmer, with him seen as one of the untouchable players at the club.
The Blues can expect a far better second half of the season if they are able to manage Palmer’s return from injury well.
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