Cole Palmer reminded Manchester City why they made a mistake by letting him go in 2023 by starring for Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The England international scored a stunning brace and assisted Joao Pedro’s goal in what was yet another virtuosic display from the midfielder in a cup final as the Blues won 3-0 at the MetLife Stadium.
Palmer has been praised for leaving Manchester City and his rise has been a rare case of a player leaving Pep Guardiola’s side and flourishing elsewhere.
As Cole Palmer rose to the occasion once again in his career, even City fans admitted that he made the right decision by departing the Etihad Stadium.
Fans admit Cole Palmer made the right decision by leaving Man City after Chelsea vs PSG
One fan went as far as to claim that they are delighted Palmer signed for Chelsea as at Manchester City, he would still be a bit-part player instead of putting teams like PSG to the sword: “If you ask me about my honest opinion on Cole Palmer, I’ll tell you I’m glad he left. He’d probably still be an average player if he was still at City.”
A second supporter admitted they were happy to see the 23-year-old blossom at Stamford Bridge, writing: “He went for money way over his value (at the time he was sold) and got the opportunity to have a team built around him while being the main man. That wouldn’t have happened if he stayed. I’m kind of happy for him.”
A third fan claimed that players like Oscar Bobb and Nico Gonzalez, who could leave Manchester City should follow in Palmer’s footsteps if they remain on the periphery of Pep Guardiola’s side: “Palmer leaving Manchester City was the best decision of his career. It’s time for Bobb and Nico Gonzalez to follow suit if they don’t get game time next season.”
Another Manchester City supporter replied by admitting that it is difficult to watch the Wythenshawe-born attacker become a superstar elsewhere: “It’s so hard watching him flourish. Happy for him. Sad for us. Watching one of your own flourish in the first XI is always different.”
A fifth City fan gave the Europa Conference League winner the credit he deserves, writing: “You make City fans proud every time you play a final (unless it’s against us). One of the most mentally sharp footballers playing currently. Only 2 NPG [non-penalty goals] this calendar year? No problem, Cole Palmer will show up for a final.”
Finally, a sixth fan replied to another supporter who doubted Palmer’s talent at Manchester City by claiming that he was rarely given a chance to express his qualities at the Etihad Stadium: “He started two Premier League games all season [in the 2022/2023 campaign]. How can anyone build momentum when they are barely playing? I personally thought he did well every time he got the opportunity.”
Ultimately, the player himself would appreciate that several supporters have lauded his decision to leave City.
Enzo Maresca revealed how highly Man City rated Cole Palmer
It’s safe to say the risk has paid off as Palmer has now led Chelsea to a surprise victory against PSG to lift the Club World Cup and earned praise from Manchester City fans in the process.
The stats pinpoint how excellent the versatile attacker was against Luis Enrique’s side.
| COLE PALMER STATS VS PSG | |
| GOALS | 2 |
| ASSISTS | 1 |
| CHANCES CREATED | 2 |
| TOUCHES IN OPPOSITION BOX | 5 |
| PASSES INTO THE FINAL THIRD | 2 |
| SUCCESSFFUL DRIBBLES | 3/6 |
Palmer scored a brace, provided an assist, created two chances, took five touches in the opposition box, played two passes into the final third and completed three out of his six attempted dribbles in what was a truly incredible showing from him.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca revealed Manchester City rated Palmer highly as well, saying: “Everyone at City knew how good he was. Everyone at City knew that Cole was top, no doubt. The problem was the amount of players they have there; it’s more difficult to share minutes. But there was no doubt everyone knew how good Cole was.”
