Cole Palmer netted two goals past the 100-minute mark, completing his hat-trick and securing a remarkable victory for Chelsea against Manchester United, despite relinquishing a two-goal advantage earlier.
In Premier League history, the latest game-winning goal was recorded at 100 minutes and 39 seconds, stunning United, who held the lead for nine minutes of injury time, and igniting jubilation at Stamford Bridge.
The two late goals concluded an exhilarating match that commenced with high intensity, as Blues captain Conor Gallagher swiftly put the hosts ahead, maintaining an unyielding pace thereafter.
Within the first 20 minutes, Palmer extended the hosts’ lead from the penalty spot after Antony fouled Marc Cucurella.
However, Alejandro Garnacho initiated a United resurgence by capitalizing on Moises Caicedo’s errant back pass.
Just five minutes later, Bruno Fernandes equalized for United with a header from Diogo Dalot’s delivery.
Garnacho netted his second goal with a header from Antony’s superb outside-of-the-boot cross, seemingly sealing victory for United.
Yet, the match took a dramatic turn as Chelsea clinched all three points in the dying moments.
Substitute Noni Madueke was brought down by Dalot in the box, and Palmer confidently converted the resulting penalty to level the scores at 100 minutes.
Then, in the 101st minute, Palmer seized the ball from a short corner and his powerful shot deflected past United goalkeeper Andre Onana, prompting ecstatic celebrations in the stadium.
Palmer continues to be Chelsea’s shining light
Since his summer transfer to Chelsea for a hefty £42.5m fee, Palmer has seamlessly integrated into life at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old has emerged as the standout performer in what has been a rollercoaster season for Chelsea and their youthful squad.
With his hat-trick in the latest match, Palmer’s goal tally in the league now stands at an impressive 16, placing him joint-second, trailing only behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
His recent run of form has been particularly remarkable, notching seven goals in the last four games for the club, solidifying his position as the beacon of hope for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Palmer’s prowess extends beyond open play; his flawless record from the penalty spot speaks volumes, with eight successful conversions so far this season. It came as no surprise that he confidently dispatched both spot-kicks in the recent match.
Having made his debut for England in November and earning a spot in the latest squad, Palmer’s consistent performances are increasingly making him a strong contender for Gareth Southgate’s selection for Euro 2024 this summer.
Stoppage time hurts United
Manchester United’s season has been marked by inconsistency, and this latest performance epitomized the struggles they’ve faced thus far.
From the outset of the match, they found themselves overrun by Chelsea, unable to match the Blues’ intensity, and fortunate not to concede more goals before mounting their comeback.
Garnacho’s perseverance paid off when Caicedo provided him with an opportunity for his first goal, and he displayed forward positioning to capitalize on Antony’s cross, seemingly securing the winning goal for United.
Manager Erik Ten Hag faces numerous inquiries, particularly following the manner of this defeat, which will undoubtedly intensify scrutiny.
Ten Hag’s team endured a barrage of 81 shots across three Premier League fixtures in March, with an additional 28 in this match, raising ongoing concerns about their susceptibility to conceding chances.
This marks the second consecutive Premier League game in which United have failed to secure a victory despite leading in stoppage time, leaving them trailing by 11 points from a potential Champions League spot.