Cole Palmer's hat trick sparks stunning 4-3 comeback for Chelsea against Man United
Chelsea's Cole Palmer, center, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, April 4, 2024. Credit: AP/Kin Cheung
LONDON — Cole Palmer struck twice in stoppage time to complete a hat trick and a stunning 4-3 comeback win for Chelsea against Manchester United in the Premier League on Thursday.
United was headed for a dramatic victory at Stamford Bridge after recovering from 2-0 down to lead 3-2.
But Palmer ensured the points went to Chelsea after converting a penalty in the 110th minute and then firing a winner with a deflected effort from outside the box a minute later.
"It should be a turning point for the fans’ trust in the team,” Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said.
A 12th league defeat of the season and will likely heap more pressure on manager Erik ten Hag ahead of Sunday's game against title-chasing Liverpool.
“We have to learn from it. When you are a Man Utd player you should already know how to deal with this circumstance,” Ten Hag said.
Chelsea had raced into a 2-0 lead through Conor Gallagher's effort from just inside the area in the fourth minute and Palmer's penalty in the 19th.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer, right, celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, April 4, 2024. Credit: AP/Kin Cheung
But United responded impressively with Alejandro Garnacho seizing on a mistake from Moises Caicedo to pull a goal back in the 34th.
Bruno Fernandes evened the score when he headed in Diogo Dalot's cross five minutes later.
United went ahead in the 67th through Garnacho, who headed past Djordje Petrovic after a wonderful cross from the outside of Antony's boot.
United looked comfortable with time running down until Dalot brought down Noni Madueke in the box and Palmer sparked late drama.
Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, center, celebrates with his teammate Manchester United's Antony after scoring his side's third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London, Thursday, April 4, 2024. Credit: AP/Kin Cheung
“It’s a massive momentum booster. It puts everyone in a good mood. Hopefully we can kick on,” Palmer said.
