Chelsea's Cole Palmer changes celebration and has last laugh after Man Utd fans' taunts

Where would Chelsea be without Cole Palmer?

Thankfully for fans at Stamford Bridge, they haven’t had to find out.

The England international arrived for £42million from Manchester City in August because he wanted to play regularly, and he has been the side’s shining light so far this season. There’s no real need for Chelsea to have an end of season awards, because the 21-year-old is going to sweep the board.

But when Manchester United came to west London on Thursday night, supporters of the Red Devils were keen to focus on Palmer’s past, and that association with City that he ended – too abruptly for some at the Etihad – at the start of the season. Palmer’s first touches were greeted with jeers from the away support, with chants of “City reject” piercing the night sky early on.

They had died down somewhat after Conor Gallagher’s early goal had put Chelsea ahead. And when Antony fouled Marc Cucurella to hand Chelsea a penalty and the chance to double their advantage, you could forgive those United fans in attendance for regretting their earlier choice.

Because there stood Palmer, ball in hand, over the penalty spot. There he was, calmly putting the ball on the spot, having scored every single penalty he’s taken for the Blues since his move. And there he was, calmly rolling into the bottom corner, sending Andre Onana the wrong way, and doubling the hosts advantage.

Cole Palmer’s little response to the Manchester United fans’ jeers

Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal from a penalty kick

Palmer has lived up to his ‘Cold’ nickname this term and has made shivering his celebration. After the taunts from United’s travelling contingent, he made a little change, cupping his hand to his ear as if to ask ‘where have your chants gone?’.

It was Palmer’s 17th goal of an extremely productive season and had Mauricio Pochettino’s men firmly in the ascendency after a stellar opening.

However, two quickfire goals in the space of five first-half minutes, had the United support finding their voice again as Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes both struck to level the scored before the break.

Garnacho fired United in front in the second half and they looked like winners – until Palmer fired home a 99th minute equaliser with his second penalty of the night.

Nor was that the end of the scoring, as Palmer’s smashed home a 101st minute deflected winner, to have the last laugh.

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.