‘With Palmer, we are a better team’ - Chelsea boss Maresca

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca once again highlighted Palmer’s influence following the win, having previously described him as the club’s standout performer in Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.

The 23-year-old England international opened the scoring as the Blues climbed to fourth in the table, delivering a performance that underlined his importance to Enzo Maresca’s side.

Maresca said, “We said many times with Cole [Palmer] we are a better team. Unfortunately, he was out for many games for us, but now he’s back and for sure he will help us.”

Maresca also praised the overall performance, despite missed chances.

“The game is never finished. We had many chances; we missed. But overall, I’m happy with the clean sheet and the performance,” he added.

Chelsea face a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City on Tuesday, followed by a league clash with Newcastle United next weekend.