Cole Palmer scored a hat-trick in Chelsea’s remarkable victory (Picture: TNT Sports)
Cole Palmer credited Mauricio Pochettino for pushing Chelsea on to score a dramatic winner in their epic Premier League victory over Manchester United.
In a pulsating affair at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea led 2-0 after 19 minutes only to find themselves behind in the second half as United produced an unexpected comeback.
It looked set to be a crucial three points for a United side chasing the top-four but Palmer scored twice in 82 injury-time seconds to leave the visitors crestfallen.
‘It was a crazy game,’ Palmer told TNT Sports. ‘When we scored in the 98th minute I thought let’s go for it. Madness.
‘I didn’t know what to do. I was running round when I scored. A hat-trick is a hat-trick. It was my first one, I’m really happy about it.
‘When we scored he [Pochettino] said there’s two minutes left, come on. He’s always trying to drive us on. We went for it and thankfully we scored.
‘It’s a big winner. It’s a massive momentum booster. It puts everyone in a good mood. Hopefully we can kick on.’
Conor Gallagher gave Chelsea an early lead at the Bridge and it looked as though the hosts would run out comfortable winners when Palmer scored from the spot on 19 minutes.
But Manchester United were somehow level at half-time as they scored twice in five minutes through Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.
United completed the comeback when Garnacho turned the game on its head following a superb cross from Antony, but Palmer rescued Chelsea with another penalty before smashing home a dramatic winner.
On scoring two penalties in the game, Palmer added: ‘I had a few penalties this season. I’m just going to continue to try to score them. If I get penalties, I’m going to try to score, I’m not going to try to miss.’
Chelsea have little to play for in the Premier League other than pride but will hope this result can kick-start Pochettino’s reign and provide some momentum ahead of a FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City later in the month.
More to follow…
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