FOOTBALL
Posted on February 10, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on February 10, 2026 9:50 pm
Chelsea hat-trick hero Cole Palmer blocks out injury noise and silences critics with a record-breaking display.
Hat-Trick Statement From Cole Palmer Silences Outside Noise
Chelsea’s starboy Cole Palmer did not just score at Molineux, he made his point. After converting his first penalty against Wolves, he celebrated with his signature celebration, then covered his ears with his hands. It was a message about the talk around him had grown louder in recent months. Injuries had slowed his rhythm and rumours were floating around about his homesickness as well. In addition, some linked him to Manchester United too. Amidst all that, Palmer kept his calm.
Speaking to media following all these rumours, Palmer said: “Just people talking rubbish. Honestly it doesn’t bother me.”
His response came not through debate but through goals. He score three goals in the first half. He was clinical and calm on that night against Wolves. The Englishman made history with his incredible performance. He became the first player in Premier League history to score three separate first-half hat-tricks. That is not form, that is authority from the Blues’ playmaker.
After the game, his Instagram post had just two words: ‘Just enjoy’. It sounded simple and almost playful. But it like a reminder to himself, in a season where fitness issues kept breaking his flow.
When asked if the outside noise affect his confidence, he said: “No, it doesn’t shake me. Of course I want to perform well, but if things get tough, it doesn’t really affect my confidence too much.
“The same people who talk bad about you one minute will call you the best thing after you score. It doesn’t bother me.”
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There was no anger in his tone, he knew what he was saying. He understands how quickly opinions change.
🚨🔵 Cole Palmer: “I’m not here to make excuses, and I’ll get over the injuries”.
“I know what I can do when I’m fit, and hopefully I can get back to that soon. For now, I just manage it and get there”. pic.twitter.com/Pr7F5SU6oF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 8, 2026
Injury Battles And Mental Strength Tested
This campaign has been different for Palmer. For the first time in his career, his body has slowed him down. Speaking about his injuries, he said:
“This is something new to me. I’ve never been injured before. I’ve not played a game this season fully fit. I’ve been overthinking it too.”
Many players hide behind safe answers, but Palmer did not. He accepted that the stop-start schedule had affected his rhythm. He found himself starting fewer than half of Chelsea’s league games, managing eight goals in 17 appearances. For a player used to regular game time, it required adjustment.
Although, his calm nature has not changed. He says it comes from his dad. That mindset now shapes his response to both praise and criticism.
At just 23, he carries himself like someone older. Stamford Bridge has seen constant change, managers rotating, with expectations rising at a shocking pace. However, Palmer remains steady during these times. When he arrived from Manchester City in autumn 2023, he believed in his own ability.
Since then, he has delivered 51 goals for the club. He has done that quietly, efficiently and without any drama. Injuries may have interrupted him, but they have not shaken his belief.
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Focus Turns To Leeds
At the moment, the West London club sit fifth in the PL table as they prepare to host Leeds United. Liam Rosenior’s side are chasing consistency, and Palmer is again central to the plan. His hat-trick raised the noise outside. With that, expectations will rise again. That is the nature of the Premier League.
But ,Palmer insists he stays grounded, as the reality is different. He knows goals change people’s views and records changes stories. In addition, World Cup ambitions with England remain firmly in sight. Still, his immediate focus is fitness, sharpness and helping Chelsea secure European football.
Injury setbacks can affect many young football stars. Palmer chose to respond with composure and intent. Now, he already knows how he will answer his doubters.
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