COLE PALMER smashed two Premier League records as he inspired Chelsea to a last-gasp win over Manchester United last night.
The England international has been a shining light for the Blues in what has otherwise been a gloomy season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea went two goals up against United within the opening 20 minutes in West London via a Conor Gallagher strike and Palmer’s penalty.
Man Utd came roaring back to lead 3-2 courtesy of Alejandro Garnacho’s double and Bruno Fernandes’ header.
Erik ten Hag’s side looked destined for a huge win, before one final twist.
Noni Madueke was brought down by Diogo Dalot in the box after breezing past the full-back deep into stoppage time.
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Following a lengthy VAR check, Palmer stepped up in the 100th minute.
He calmly slotted past Andre Onana for the second time in the match, converting his eighth penalty of the season in the process.
Palmer has now scored more penalties in a season than any other player aged 21 or under, and is yet to miss one.
Only two players have taken more penalties with a 100 per cent conversion rate – Yaya Toure (11/11) and Dimitar Berbatov (9/9).
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Chelsea vs Man Utd highlights
READ the best of the fallout from a bonkers night at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea ace then scored an astonishing 101st minute winner, the latest in Premier League history.
Having led after 99 minutes and 17 seconds, Man Utd completed the Prem’s latest ever collapse.
The previous record was set earlier this campaign, when Tottenham scored in the 98th and 100th minutes to turn around a clash with Sheffield United.
After the game, Palmer was asked about his previous affinity with United.
He said: “Yeah, when I was growing up I was a United fan.”
Palmer was then asked whether it gave him an added incentive, to which he replied: “I just think to try and do the same thing to each time. But I’ve scored away and a few here today, so I’m buzzing.
“I just try and take each game as it comes and show the Chelsea fans and everyone what I came here to do and that is just play football.”
Palmer’s 16 goals in 26 Prem appearances this season is a tally only bettered by Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
He has also laid on eight assists, with just five players having achieved more.
Chelsea’s late 4-3 win saw them rise to 10th in the Prem table.
They are just two points off seventh-placed West Ham, with two games in hand.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side are also in the FA Cup semi-finals, and will face Palmer’s former club Man City at Wembley on April 20.
While Palmer was the hero for the Blues, returning Cobham product Mason Mount was the pantomime villain.
The 25-year-old made his first return to Stamford Bridge since completing a £60million move to Man Utd.
He was booed every time he touched the ball by fans, before twice clashing with Enzo Fernandez.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
