Blues dreaming of shock fifth-place finish as Palmer and Nkunku maintain red-hot run of form
COLE PALMER’S season gets better and better, while Reece James’ could hardly get worse.
Chelsea’s superstar Palmer has single-handedly guided the club from the depths of mid-table to what should be continental football next season with his elite goal-getting prowess.
His 22nd of the Premier League term – a smooth looping header in the 34th minute – helped down Brighton to lift the Blues into a Europa League-beckoning sixth spot.
And as if Palmer’s shoulders are not heavy enough, he will surely be expected to replicate this stunning form for England in Germany this summer at the Euros.
But what of James? An injury-plagued season and a straight red here coming off the bench which will see him miss yet more football for both club and country with a major tournament looming and friendly auditions on the horizon.
It was an idiotic 88th-minute kick-out at Joao Pedro off the ball on a night when VAR was under the microscope more than ever.
Christopher Nkunku stepped off the bench to double the lead in the 64th minute with just his third goal in a Chelsea shirt, but the away end sung Palmer’s name into the night, even after Danny Welbeck’s injury time consolation.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is notoriously safe in his selection process, yet you simply cannot ignore the elegance and electricity that Palmer possesses right now – and you cannot ignore James’ dramatic plummeting form.
What a £40m signing Palmer has been since arriving from Manchester City, taking Pep Guardiola’s preferred main man in Erling Haaland – who has 27 Prem goals so far – all the way for that Golden Boot with one outing remaining.
A fourth successive top flight victory for the first time since October 2022 has steadied the ship and calmed choppy waters at Chelsea. Progress is – finally – being made in West London.
