Cole Palmer explains what Mauricio Pochettino said before Chelsea game against Man Utd
Cole Palmer credited Mauricio Pochettino for pushing Chelsea on to score a dramatic winner in their epic Premier League victory over Manchester United.
In a pulsating affair at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea led 2-0 after 19 minutes only to find themselves behind in the second half as United produced an unexpected comeback.
It looked set to be a crucial three points for a United side chasing the top-four but Palmer scored twice in 82 injury-time seconds to leave the visitors crestfallen.
‘It was a crazy game,’ Palmer told TNT Sports. ‘When we scored in the 98th minute I thought let’s go for it. Madness.
‘I didn’t know what to do. I was running round when I scored. A hat-trick is a hat-trick. It was my first one, I’m really happy about it.
‘When we scored he [Pochettino] said there’s two minutes left, come on. He’s always trying to drive us on. We went for it and thankfully we scored.
‘It’s a big winner. It’s a massive momentum booster. It puts everyone in a good mood. Hopefully we can kick on.’
Conor Gallagher gave Chelsea an early lead at the Bridge and it looked as though the hosts would run out comfortable winners when Palmer scored from the spot on 19 minutes.
But Manchester United were somehow level at half-time as they scored twice in five minutes through Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes.
United completed the comeback when Garnacho turned the game on its head following a superb cross from Antony, but Palmer rescued Chelsea with another penalty before smashing home a dramatic winner.
On scoring two penalties in the game, Palmer added: ‘I had a few penalties this season. I’m just going to continue to try to score them. If I get penalties, I’m going to try to score, I’m not going to try to miss.’
Chelsea have little to play for in the Premier League other than pride but will hope this result can kick-start Pochettino’s reign and provide some momentum ahead of a FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City later in the month.
Speaking after the sensational win, Pochettino said: ‘So happy because I think we deserved to win. I think it was tough, but overall we were the better team.
‘We started the game really well and the way we conceded affected the team in an emotional way. United play in transition really well and the way we concede the goals is the way not to concede.
‘The reality is always to do more to win, but I think it was amazing and the performance was not great, but good.
‘It is a start to building a connection with the fans and it will be very helpful for the future of us.’
