Jamie Carragher believes Cole Palmer has been a ‘class act’ since he left Manchester City to join Chelsea.
City today played out a pulsating 4-4 draw with the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
Erling Haaland gave City the lead from the penalty spot after being fouled by Marc Cucurella in the area. The decision was assessed and upheld by VAR.
Thiago Silva then levelled for the hosts and then Raheem Sterling scored against his former club.
But City got back on terms just before half-time thanks to a fantastic header by Manuel Akanji.
In the second-half, Haaland grabbed a rather scrappy goal early on. Conor Gallagher then equalised for Chelsea.
With the game petering out, City got a big slice of luck when Rodri’s strike from the edge of the box took a deflection off Silva, wrong-footing Robert Sanchez.
But then, perhaps inevitably, Cole Palmer scored from the penalty spot. Ruben Dias had brought down Armando Broja in the box.
Today was the first time Cole Palmer had faced City since his move to the Blues for a reported £42.5 million – and Carragher gave some thoughts about the winger early on during today’s game…
Jamie Carragher says Cole Palmer has been a class act since leaving Manchester City
Palmer enjoyed a pretty good outing today against his boyhood club.
He was very lively throughout and in the second-half he had a glorious chance to score after some brilliant footwork to dance his way through to a one-vs-one situation with Ederson.
It was as though he was really looking to prove something and in truth. He was one of the best players on the park. Certainly in terms of Chelsea players.
Early on in the game, before absolute chaos ensued, Carragher offered a brief word about Palmer and what he has shown so far in Chelsea colours. He said: “An interesting signing and the fact he moved on from his hometown club. He’s looked a class act in a Chelsea shirt, there’s no doubt about that.”
Just before the game ended, Carragher then said: “He’s been absolutely outstanding, and come right to the fore. He’s been brilliant, not just today, but right through since he’s joined Chelsea.”
Palmer could be sublime in a few years with regular game time
Palmer’s Chelsea career is off to a really good start, and City fans surely have to be pleased for him.
He probably should have had more chances than he got at City. Perhaps if he had stayed they might have come his way – Pep did say ahead of today’s game that he did say to the player that more chances would come his way after the departure of Riyad Mahrez.
But the £75,000-a-week star made the decision to leave and so far he has been vindicated.
Potentially, he could become a really special player if he stays a regular at Stamford Bridge. The talent has always been there, it’s always just been about opportunity.
