Cole Palmer scored a hattrick as Chelsea came from behind to beat Manchester United 4-3 on Thursday evening. The Blues were headed for defeat at Stamford Bridge until Palmer struck twice in injury time.
The 21-year-old is having a fantastic season and turned the game on its head at the death. Chelsea were put through the ringer, as United were 3-2 up in the 99th minute, surely thinking they’d won.
Chelsea threw away lead in first half
The first-half was enthralling, initially swinging Chelsea’s way before United came back into it. Chelsea took the lead in the fourth minute through Conor Gallagher, hitting a first-team effort under Andre Onana.
And 15 minutes later, Palmer doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Antony felled Marc Cucurella in the area. He fired his effort into the bottom corner, wrong-footing Onana. United wouldn’t lie down, however.
The Devils halved the deficit in the 34th minute through Alejandro Garnacho. The 19-year-old finished from close range after capitalising on a mistake from Moises Caicedo. Minutes later, the game was level, courtesy of Bruno Fernandes.
The 29-year-old headed home at the far post after being picked out by Diogo Dalot. Chelsea and United would go into the break level.
Palmer sparks incredible second-half comeback
It went from bad to worse for Chelsea after the break, with Garnacho bagged his second goal and United’s third. The Argentine beat Djordje Petrovic to the ball, heading into an empty net, after a swift breakaway. Another Chelsea mistake saw United turnover possession and Antony whipped in a cross that Garnacho converted.
United held their 3-2 lead until the 99th minute when Palmer scored from the spot again. Noni Madueke was felled by Dalot in the area and Palmer sent Onana the wrong away again. Chelsea weren’t settling for a 3-3 draw, however, and struck even later through a familiar face.
Palmer picked up a short corner and fired an effort towards goal that was deflected in. Chelsea took all three points at the death and finished the day 10th.
