Cole Palmer declared himself “ready and hungry” after producing a goal and an assist in Chelsea’s 3-2 victory over Fulham, delivering a typically confident response when asked about his preparations for the new season.
The England international endured an injury-disrupted campaign last year and missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad. However, his performance at Craven Cottage suggested Chelsea’s No.10 has returned refreshed under Xabi Alonso.
Asked by Sky Sports how ready he felt for the season, Palmer replied: “Did you not watch the game? I’m only joking. I’m ready.”
Cole Palmer asked by Sky, "How ready are you for this season?"
Palmer: "Did you not watch the game?! … "I'm ready and I'm hungry" pic.twitter.com/67kf0Bk5FK
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 24, 2026
Cole Palmer explains Chelsea revival after difficult season
Palmer revealed he spent the summer working on preventing further injury problems and rebuilding his fitness after a frustrating 2025/26 campaign.
The Chelsea attacker said he had trained particularly hard since returning for pre-season, adding: “I know the talent I’ve got so I can put in performances like that.”
Palmer also admitted he feels unusually motivated following his summer away from international football.
“I’m ready and I’m hungry,” he said.
His response supported Xabi Alonso’s encouraging update on Palmer’s fitness before the Fulham match, with the Chelsea head coach confident his playmaker was ready for competitive action.
Palmer needed just 31 seconds to create Chelsea’s opening goal, releasing Joao Pedro behind the Fulham defence. Chelsea’s official match report details how he later finished another flowing move involving Pedro and Morgan Rogers to make it 3-1.
Morgan Rogers hails Palmer after Chelsea victory
Rogers also enjoyed a memorable evening, marking his competitive Chelsea debut with a goal against Fulham.
Afterwards, the £117million signing described Palmer as “the best player on the pitch by a mile”, according to FotMob’s post-match report.
Palmer said playing alongside his close friend at the highest level felt surreal, with their immediate understanding supporting Alonso’s pre-match explanation of how Palmer and Rogers can operate together.
All three members of Chelsea’s attacking unit scored at Craven Cottage. For Palmer, however, the performance carried an additional message after months of questions about his fitness and form.
Watch Fulham 2-3 Chelsea highlights as Palmer and Rogers score
Watch Fulham 2-3 Chelsea highlights as Palmer and Rogers score
Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham: Palmer shines, Sanchez gets 4
Chelsea player ratings vs Fulham: Palmer shines, Sanchez gets 4