Cole Palmer Dominates as Player of the Matchweek 1

Cole Palmer has opened the new campaign exactly where he left off – running the show.

The Chelsea playmaker has been voted Player of the Matchweek for Matchweek 1 after a commanding performance in the Blues’ breathless 3-2 derby win over Fulham at Craven Cottage.

In a frantic west London contest, Palmer was Chelsea’s calm amid the chaos. He set the tone early, sliding in the assist for Joao Pedro’s opener, then struck what proved to be the decisive goal at the start of the second half, a finish that ultimately separated the sides on a wild afternoon by the Thames.

Statistics

The numbers tell the story of his dominance. Palmer fired off five shots, more than any of his team-mates. He had nine touches inside the Fulham box, constantly probing, constantly asking questions. He won 10 duels, fought for everything, and recovered possession seven times, leading Chelsea in each of those categories.

The pressure he applied finally broke Fulham’s resistance, and fans recognised it. Palmer collected 40 per cent of the public vote for Player of the Matchweek, comfortably ahead of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, who finished second on 22 per cent.

It is Palmer’s first Player of the Matchweek award since Matchweek 25 of last season, when he hit a hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. Different opponent, same outcome: when Chelsea need a matchwinner, his name keeps rising to the top.