Ice-cold Cole is Chelsea's new king

In a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Manchester United engaged in a rollercoaster of a match that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the season's highlights. The standout performer of the night was none other than Cole Palmer, who etched his name into Chelsea folklore with a scintillating hat-trick that showcased his immense talent and potential.

Match Report and Happenings

The game kicked off with Conor Gallagher putting Chelsea ahead in the fourth minute with a well-taken strike, setting the tone for what was to be a frenetic encounter. Shortly after, Palmer doubled the Blues' lead from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, seemingly putting Mauricio Pochettino's side in control early on.

However, Manchester United quickly mounted a spirited comeback, capitalizing on a defensive error from Moises Caicedo, whose misplaced pass allowed Alejandro Garnacho to capitalize and narrow the deficit before the half-hour mark. The momentum swung further in United's favor when Bruno Fernandes expertly finished off a flowing team move with a precise header, drawing the sides level just before halftime.

The second half continued to deliver end-to-end action, with both teams refusing to relent in their pursuit of victory. It was United who seized the initiative when Garnacho completed his brace in the 67th minute, heading home a sublime cross from Antony to put the visitors ahead for the first time in the match.
However, just when it seemed as though United would secure a remarkable comeback win, Cole Palmer stepped up to the plate in sensational fashion. Displaying remarkable composure and clinical finishing, the ex-Manchester City forward notched two goals in stoppage time to complete his hat-trick and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat for Chelsea.

Palmer's heroics not only secured a memorable 4-3 win for Chelsea but also cemented his status as the new king of Stamford Bridge. His performance will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable individual displays in recent memory, leaving fans in awe of his talent and potential.

The excitement continued to unfold as Noni Madueke earned his team a penalty, expertly converted by Palmer in the 100th minute. And just moments later, in a whirlwind turn of events, Palmer struck again with a deflected winner, sealing a dramatic victory for his side a mere 82 seconds after his penalty conversion.

GOAL rating of Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge

Goalkeeper and Defense Ratings

Djordje Petrovic (6/10):

Petrovic's performance was solid, though he couldn't do much to prevent any of United's goals. There might be consideration for Chelsea to seek a more authoritative goalkeeper during the upcoming transfer window.

Malo Gusto (6/10):

Gusto stood out as Chelsea's top defender, maintaining solidity in the backline and contributing effectively to attacks, particularly in tandem with Palmer. His consistent displays help alleviate the absence of James in the lineup.

Axel Disasi (5/10):

Disasi showed glimpses of defensive prowess with crucial tackles and blocks but was let down by occasional lapses in control and positioning. He was substituted off 15 minutes before the final whistle.

Benoit Badiashile (4/10):

Badiashile's performance seemed lacking in impact, often blending into the background. His positioning was questionable, and along with Disasi, struggled against United's attacks, exacerbated by the midfield's limited defensive support.

Marc Cucurella (5/10):

Cucurella managed to win a few duels against Antony and played a role in earning his team a penalty. However, he still displayed vulnerabilities in defense, particularly as Antony managed to create opportunities with shots in the second half.

Midfield Ratings

Moises Caicedo (3/10):

Caicedo's performance was disappointing, displaying a stark contrast to his previous form at Brighton. His costly mistake led to United's second goal, and throughout the match, he struggled with ball retention. Overall, it was a subpar display from him.

Enzo Fernandez (5/10):

Fernandez showed signs of sloppiness in possession, mirroring Caicedo's struggles. Interestingly, he seemed to perform better after Caicedo was substituted, suggesting potential compatibility issues between the two midfielders. While not stellar, Fernandez's performance was relatively average.

Conor Gallagher (6/10):

Gallagher made an impactful start to the game, contributing a goal and displaying energy in midfield. However, as the match progressed, his influence waned, and he was unable to prevent United from staging a comeback. Despite this, his overall performance was decent, reflecting Chelsea's early dominance in the game.

Attack Ratings

Cole Palmer (10/10):

Palmer delivered a masterful individual performance, demonstrating maturity beyond his years. His two penalty conversions and a remarkable 101st-minute winner transformed despair into ecstasy at Stamford Bridge. Undoubtedly the standout player of the match, Palmer overshadowed his teammates with his exceptional display.

Nicolas Jackson (6/10):

Jackson posed a threat to Maguire and Varane in the first half with his pace and direct runs, but his impact diminished in the second half, failing to contribute significantly to Chelsea's attacking efforts.

Mykhailo Mudryk (6/10):

Mudryk showed promise on the left wing, displaying sharpness and providing a well-weighted pass to Cucurella just before the Spaniard won Chelsea their first penalty. However, he appeared somewhat lightweight at times, needing to assert more physical presence in certain situations.