Cole Palmer etched his name into Premier League history during Chelsea’s thrilling 4-3 comeback victory over Tottenham on Sunday, breaking multiple records including surpassing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s 23-year-old club record for goal contributions in a calendar year.
The 22-year-old England international demonstrated nerves of steel as he converted two crucial penalties, including an audacious Panenka for his second, to help orchestrate Chelsea’s remarkable recovery from a two-goal deficit. His first successful spot-kick drew Chelsea level at 2-2 after Yves Bissouma fouled Moises Caicedo, sending Fraser Forster the wrong way to equal Yaya Toure’s record of 11 consecutive Premier League penalties without missing.
Palmer then surpassed Toure’s benchmark with perhaps his most memorable penalty yet, choosing to chip the ball delicately down the middle after being fouled by Pape Matar Sarr. This goal not only extended his perfect penalty record to 12 from 12 attempts but also helped secure a vital victory that propelled Chelsea to second place in the table, just four points behind Liverpool who have a game in hand following their postponed derby with Everton.
The significance of Palmer’s achievement extends beyond his penalty prowess. His performance against Tottenham saw him surpass Chelsea legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s record for the most Premier League goal contributions in a single calendar year. Palmer’s 37th contribution of 2024 broke a record that had stood since 2001, making it even more remarkable considering Hasselbaink’s impressive tally of 69 goals and 29 assists in 136 appearances during his four-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer’s record-breaking afternoon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium exemplifies his remarkable impact since joining Chelsea. His ability to maintain composure in high-pressure situations, particularly from the penalty spot, has made him an invaluable asset in crucial moments. The decision to attempt a Panenka for his record-breaking penalty speaks volumes about his confidence and technical ability.
The victory itself carries significant implications for Chelsea’s season, bringing them within striking distance of league leaders Liverpool. Palmer’s contributions have been central to this resurgence, with his penalty-taking excellence providing a reliable source of goals for a team that has sometimes struggled to convert chances from open play.
What makes Palmer’s achievements even more impressive is the context in which they’ve occurred. Taking over penalty duties at a club like Chelsea, with its rich history and high expectations, could have been daunting for a young player. Instead, Palmer has embraced the responsibility, establishing himself as one of the most reliable spot-kick takers in Premier League history.
The comparison with Hasselbaink’s record is particularly noteworthy given the Dutchman’s iconic status at Chelsea. That Palmer has managed to surpass such a long-standing record in his first season at the club suggests he could be on track to create his own legacy at Stamford Bridge.
As Chelsea continue their pursuit of Premier League glory, Palmer’s perfect penalty record and growing influence on the team’s performances could prove crucial in maintaining their title challenge. His combination of youth, confidence, and clinical finishing has already endeared him to the Chelsea faithful, while his record-breaking exploits suggest this could be just the beginning of a special career in West London.
