Chelsea star Cole Palmer has fired back at ‘idiots’ on social media after ending his goal drought in their win over Liverpool.
Enzo Maresca’s side strengthened their Champions League hopes with a 3-1 victory against the new champions at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring after just three minutes before an own-goal by Jarell Quansah.
Virgil van Dijk halved the deficit with header but Palmer sealed victory for the Blues from the penalty spot after Moises Caicedo was fouled in the box.
It was the midfielder’s first goal since scoring in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth in January – and he didn’t hold back as he took aim at his critics.
Palmer told Sky Sports: ‘I just felt normal. Obviously sh** happens, I went three months without scoring but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has fired back at ‘idiots’ on social media after ending his goal drought
Palmer scoreed from the penalty spot in stoppage-time to seal a 3-1 win over Liverpool
The 22-year-old didn’t pay attention to ‘trolls’ during three-month drought in front of goal
‘Social media nowadays is full of idiots, the trolls and whatever. I don’t pay any attention to that.
‘I’ve scored today and I’m happy but it’s only one and I’ve got to keep improving and try and reach new levels.
‘Getting chances and not scoring, it feels like you’re letting your team down. I feel like I am mentally strong anyway. I feel pride in helping the team and if I’m not doing that, I’m not happy.’
Asked about his performance, he added: ‘Today I felt confident, I was trying things, first time passes, playing forward. When you have got him [Moises Caicedo] in front of you, it’s a dream.
‘From the start of the season, he has been our best player, he wins the ball back all the time, he’s humble, nice to everyone and everyone loves him.’
Palmer now has 14 goals and 11 assists in his second season at Chelsea, who have moved level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle after their fourth consecutive win in all competitions.
Former Blues striker Daniel Sturridge heaped praise on the 22-year-old, saying: ‘Palmer was absolutely magnificent today. There has been question marks about his consistency over the last few months but this is the Cole Palmer that we all know and love.
‘This is the Cole Palmer that gets the fans on the edge of their seats. He is an amazing footballer to watch and today was what we love to see from him.’
