Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images
More important than any signing, more important than any managerial appointment. If Chelsea were going to have a better season, a successful one, getting Cole Palmer back to his best was pivotal.
Thomas Tuchel handed Chelsea the best opportunity to get Palmer firing again after such a tricky 2025-26 campaign in which Palmer played with an injury. Alan Shearer said it is a horrible situation to be in.
Omitting Palmer from the World Cup allowed him to rest for the first time in three summers. Palmer had represented England’s U21s at the 2023 Euros, England at the 2024 Euros and then the Club World Cup.
Glimpses during pre-season suggested Palmer was back to his best, and then on Monday night, the England star proved he was the version of Palmer whom Chelsea fans know best and adore the most.
The winning goal, after a first-minute assist for Joao Pedro, saw Palmer pick up the man of the match award in Chelsea’s first game of the season and their first under Xabi Alonso. A 3-2 win over Fulham.
Cole Palmer’s response to Sky Sports reporter is proof
If Chelsea fans needed convincing that Palmer is back to his best after his performance against Fulham, then they needed to watch his post-match interviews. Sky Sports covered it for Monday Night Football.
Speaking to a Sky Sports reporter alongside his best pal Morgan Rogers, Palmer was asked: “How ready are you this season?” His response was proof that his confidence is sky high again; a twinkle in his eye.
Fulham v Chelsea FC - Premier League 2026/27
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
He joked, in that sultry Palmer tone: “Did you not watch the game?”, earning a smile from Rogers to his right and a laugh from the reporter. Palmer is back, his confidence is back. Chelsea fans can dream again.
He continued: “Nah, I’m only joking. I’m ready. Had a difficult season with injuries, but since the summer I’ve worked extra hard to prevent further injuries. I know my talent; I can put in performances like that.”
The surprising stat that shows how good Palmer was v Fulham
Palmer is known for creating chances and scoring goals. He did both of those things on Monday night, creating Pedro’s opening goal in the first 30 seconds, and then finishing to perfection when put through.
Sander Berge on Chelsea team
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
But that’s not all Palmer did on the night. The England star also topped the rankings for duels won on the night, winning an impressive 10 battles. More than any other player, two more than the second best.
Not only is Palmer’s confidence restored and his form clearly back, but his willingness to fight is up there too. That subtle aggression and will to win is in Palmer’s belly again, and it bodes well for Chelsea fans.
Next up for Chelsea is a return to the Bridge on Thursday night to take on Jack Wilshere’s Luton Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup, before hosting Brighton on Sunday afternoon in West London.