Cole Palmer came back to haunt former club Manchester City in a thrilling Premier League thriller at Stamford Bridge, as an academy graduate from their academy refused the offer of more playing time from Pep Guardiola and now delivered an eye-opening penalty during a nailbiter of an encounter.
Reece James and Nicolas Jackson scored goals for the Blues during an entertaining contest, but it was Nicolas Jackson's late winner that caused much debate.
Chelsea beat Manchester City 4-4 at Stamford Bridge
Palmer made an infamous return against former side City with an injury-time penalty that secured a point for Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea in a thrilling Premier League matchup. Palmer was involved in both of City's goals - Erling Haaland scored from the penalty spot before Manuel Akanji headed home their equaliser before half time and later Phil Foden's cross was converted by Akanji in an electric second period.
After Rodri's 86th-minute strike appeared to give City all three points, Palmer stepped up and struck an incredible shot past Ederson from outside the box - truly worthy of earning City an unforgettable win in their final home match of 2019.
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Palmer scored a last-minute penalty to save Chelsea
Cole Palmer came off the bench late in stoppage time to score Chelsea their first away point against Manchester City this season in stoppage time and claim an equaliser - earning Chelsea their first away point against Man City since September. Holding his nerve as he took a 94th minute penalty after Armando Broja had been fouled by Ruben Dias, Cole delivered.
Rodri's deflected effort with four minutes remaining looked to have done the damage for City, but Pochettino's side had other plans: Nicolas Jackson scored from close range after Josko Gvardiol and Reece James had collided resulting in high-speed, thrilling football - with Palmer once again being at the heart of it all, earning praise and ultimately becoming the star player in this relegation battle.
Sterling and Jackson wreaked havoc
Jackson and Sterling caused havoc for City in the second half with their fast runs that left defenders terrified to approach them. Additionally, these two created several chances for Chelsea and could have easily scored themselves.
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Jackson will bring a unique dimension to the Blues' attack upon returning from Japan, breaking down defensive lines with his exceptional outlet passing ability and creating fast breaks through fast breaks of his own.
Jackson can hit long balls and is an experienced penalty box poacher, finishing his debut season with an Expected Goals per 90 average of 0.8 and non-penalty xG of 0.63. Jackson will add strength in build-up play alongside Balogun to give Mauricio Pochettino an unstoppable attacking threat.
Palmer’s goal was an instant classic
Palmer has been an incredible discovery since joining Chelsea this summer. A smart player with lots of energy, Palmer played a crucial part in setting up Reece James for his opening goal against West Bromwich Albion.
Nicolas Jackson had an opportunity to score the game-tying goal when his cross was deflected off Josko Gvardiol into his path and wound up finding its way into Nicolas' path, setting off another crazy sequence in a bizarre game.
After going 2-0 up midway through injury time, City were in danger of going down 4-3 when Rodri's 86th minute strike appeared set to secure three points for his side. But in came Palmer to win an exciting match and instant Premier League classic with his last-gasp penalty win.
Manchester-born midfielder Danny Welbeck gave Manchester City a reminder of what they missed by scoring an outstanding late spot kick during one of the greatest matches this season, making Pep Guardiola wish he'd kept him with them - making this match one that will remain vivid in both fans' and players' memories for many years to come.
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