Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Cole Palmer and Xabi Alonso shared a symbolic moment after Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Blues have struggled to beat Everton away in recent years, making their resilient performance feel like a potential turning point for Alonso’s side.
Chelsea have gathered momentum since the international break, beating Bournemouth 5-1 at Stamford Bridge before Saturday’s win over Everton. Alonso appears to be enjoying his time in West London, with noticeable support from Chelsea’s biggest players.
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How Cole Palmer’s gesture showed his support for Xabi Alonso
It is perfectly normal for a manager and his players to thank the travelling fans after an away game, regardless of the result. However, the celebrations following Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton stood out.
After their biggest win of the season, Chelsea fans were particularly jubilant at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. They dedicated a chant to Xabi Alonso that we will surely hear much more of during his tenure: “Ohh Xabi Alonso, ohh Xabi Alonso.”
A clip of Cole Palmer embracing Alonso and pushing him towards the away end also went viral among Chelsea fans on social media. While his full-time moment with Alonso may seem insignificant, it suggests Palmer fully supports his head coach.
The England international is clearly enjoying his football more than in the past two seasons, excelling in his preferred No. 10 position with the freedom to roam in the final third. This contrasts with previous seasons under Liam Rosenior and Enzo Maresca, when Palmer often appeared frustrated.
Enzo Fernandez was also briefly suspended for speaking out against the club during Rosenior’s tenure. Winning over Chelsea’s senior players has often been crucial to managers’ success at Stamford Bridge, and Alonso appears to have made an encouraging start in that regard.