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Cole Palmer Receive Major Birthday Gift in Chelsea’s 3-1 Win Over Liverpool

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Marcelo Cartaxo | Last updated May 4, 2025 4:56 PM ET

Chelsea have entered the decisive stretch of their season, now level on points with Newcastle in the race for a Champions League spot. Newcastle’s failure to win this weekend opened the door, and Chelsea capitalized with a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. The two sides now face off in the next round — a direct duel that could define their seasons.

The win was crucial. Up against the reigning champions at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea needed the win. Cole Palmer, ending a rare goal drought dating back to January, stepped up.

The 22-year-old, set to turn 23 in two days and one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, picked the perfect moment to make his mark, earning Man of the Match honors.

Palmer had faced growing criticism in recent weeks, as expectations built on the back of his breakout campaign. But his latest performance silenced the doubters and reminded fans why he’s considered one of England’s brightest young talents.

After the game, Palmer revealed to SkySports how it felt to not score a goal in months, and made a statement that he was not worried about it.

"No goals for months? I just felt normal. Obviously sh** happens, you know what I mean. It gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team. Social media nowadays is full of idiots, trolls... I don’t care about that."

GOAL | Chelsea 3-1 Liverpool | Cole Palmer

COLE PALMER MAKES IT THREE FOR CHELSEA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!pic.twitter.com/D5G5dawDmh
— Tekkers Foot (@tekkersfoot) May 4, 2025

Chelsea’s win over Liverpool ranks among the most important of Enzo Maresca’s managerial career

Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are slowly beginning to take shape. The Italian manager, in just his second season at the top level after guiding Leicester to Championship glory in 2023/24, delivered a tactical masterclass against Liverpool.

His side dominated possession and disrupted Arne Slot’s system with quick transitions and aggressive pressing.

Maresca’s Chelsea squad is young. Most of the starters are under 25, and the team is being rebuilt from the ground up following the club’s sale to American consortium BlueCo.

The new leadership set out to sign promising young talents and lay a foundation for future success. But the project has faced setbacks.

Several signings, including Mykhailo Mudryk, Romeo Lavia, and Andrey Santos, have struggled to live up to expectations. Critics have been rough, despite the squad’s age and lack of experience.

This summer is expected to bring changes. Chelsea are likely to add experienced reinforcements while trimming the squad to stay within Financial Fair Play regulations — something the club once evaded under Roman Abramovich through creative contract structuring and heavy spending.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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