Cole Palmer marked the beginning of Chelsea's 2026/27 Premier League campaign with a man-of-the-match display on Saturday, scoring once and setting up another as the Blues edged past Brighton 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. The England midfielder continues to be the creative engine at the heart of Chelsea's attack, and his performance gave fans plenty of reason for optimism as the new season got under way.
Palmer broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a deft chip over the advancing Brighton goalkeeper after being played in by Noni Madueke. It was precisely the kind of composed, technically excellent finish that has become his trademark since joining Chelsea from Manchester City, and it set the tone for an afternoon on which he dictated much of the play in the final third.
Brighton pulled level early in the second half through a well-taken goal from their summer signing, but Chelsea responded within eight minutes when Palmer teed up Nicolas Jackson with a perfectly weighted through ball. The striker made no mistake to restore the lead and eventually seal the three points for Enzo Maresca's side.
Chelsea's head coach was full of praise for Palmer post-match, describing him as someone who makes everything look easy while carrying enormous creative responsibility for the team. The 24-year-old continues to attract attention from Europe's top clubs, but for now he remains firmly at the centre of Chelsea's ambitions in what could be their most competitive season in recent memory.
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