Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino and Raheem Sterling lauded Cole Palmer after the midfielder scored the winning goal against Fulham at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old missed several gilt-edged chances during the midweek defeat to Middlesbrough in the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, but he was on target on Saturday when he converted from the spot deep into first-half injury time after Sterling was fouled in the box.
Palmer has now scored nine goals since joining the Blues from Manchester City in the summer, with five of those coming from penalties.
“We believe in him, even when he didn’t score with the three big chances in Middlesbrough,” Pochettino told TNT Sports after the game.
“We believe in him and he has the quality to play. It is important for young guys to feel the support of the coaching staff, club and team-mates. It is the first season they [Palmer and Levi Colwill] are playing consistently every week and this kind of up and down can happen. It is important to relay that confidence and belief.”
Sterling, who is very familiar with Palmer’s abilities, praised the player’s qualities. “Cole is someone I know very well and someone with a lot of ability. Anything I can do to help him, I try to do. He’s got his goal today.
“I know him from my Manchester City days and I used to see it all in training. He gets in great positions, he can time a pass or cut inside and shoot.”
Chelsea, who have now won three Premier League games in a row, move up to eighth in the table.
