Cole Palmer Shines in Chelsea's Derby Victory

Cole Palmer has started the new campaign exactly where he left off last season – running games and collecting awards.

The Chelsea playmaker has been voted Player of the Matchweek for Matchweek 1 after a dazzling performance in the Blues’ 3-2 derby win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Palmer was at the heart of everything Chelsea did well in west London. He laid on the early opener for Joao Pedro, setting the tone in a frantic first half, then struck what proved to be the winner at the start of the second period to tilt the derby decisively Chelsea’s way.

The numbers told the story of his dominance. He fired off five shots, had nine touches inside the Fulham box, won 10 duels and recovered possession seven times – leading all Chelsea players in each of those categories. When Chelsea needed control, he supplied it. When they needed a spark, he provided that too.

Supporters recognised it. Palmer took 40 per cent of the fans’ vote for the award, comfortably ahead of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who finished second on 22 per cent.

It is Palmer’s first Player of the Matchweek prize since Matchweek 25 of last season, when he hit a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. If this latest display is any indication, it will not be his last this season.