Cole Palmer hit out at ‘social media idiots’ after the Chelsea star’s player of the match performance against Liverpool.
Chelsea hosted the newly crowned Premier League champions on Sunday, needing a win to keep pace in the race for the Champions League.
And in front of a jubilant Stamford Bridge they claimed a well-deserved 3-1 win, with Palmer scoring a penalty in the final minutes of injury-time – his first goal for 12 matches.
Goal aside, the England international’s was magnificent and tenacious, with Gary Neville heaping praise on the attacking midfielder.
Against Liverpool, no Chelsea player had more shots (5) or created more chances (4) than Palmer, and he also made the joint-most passes ending in the final third (13) and the joint-most touches in the opposition box (8).
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It ends a difficult run of form for Palmer who has been much quieter in the second-half of the season, with some even wondering whether he is suited to Enzo Maresca’s style of play.
Speaking after the Liverpool win, the 22-year-old was in a bullish mood, venting his frustration at the criticism that has come his way over the past few months.
‘We played very well as a team. They’re champions for a reason, but we showed desire,’ he told Sky Sports.
‘I just felt normal. S*** happens… sorry for my language. Obviously it happens, I went three months without scoring but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team.
‘Social media nowadays is full of idiots. I don’t pay no attention to that.
‘I’ve scored today and I’m happy but it’s only one and I’ve got to keep improving and try and reach new levels.
‘Getting chances and not scoring, it feels like you’re letting your team down. I feel like I am mentally strong anyway. I feel pride in helping the team and if I’m not doing that, I’m not happy.’
As Palmer celebrated his goal, teammate Noni Madueke joined him and was notably seen making a mouth gesture with his hand, an apparent dig at the Three Lions star’s critics.
Palmer’s comments were praised by former Liverpool star and Sky pundit Jamie Redknapp who said: ‘What Palmer said was a great example to young players because I don’t care how mentally strong you are, one comment on social media can affect you.
‘I think that players have to be so careful on it. It’s great to give people an example of how you live your life and the day-to-day but the other side of it when people have the ability to just abuse you whenever they want – that’s not healthy for anyone.
‘It’s already hard enough being a professional footballer, the pressure that comes with it. The best thing you can do a lot of the time is to just turn it of and get on with being a footballer.’
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