Palmer performance ´the reason fans pay´, says Maresca

Enzo Maresca said Cole Palmer’s display against Newcastle United is the reason “fans pay to watch” after the Blues talisman led them back into the Premier League top four.

Palmer struck the winner 75 seconds into the second half after Nicolas Jackson saw his goal cancelled out by Alexander Isak.

The England international played a huge role in the opener too, producing a sweeping long-range pass into the path of Pedro Neto, who squared for Jackson to finish.

Palmer has now registered a division-high 12 goal involvements this season (seven goals, five assists), overtaking Erling Haaland (11) on Sunday.

“It is the reason why people pay, they want to see that kind of player. We are very happy to have him,” Maresca said.

MASSIVE three points. #CFC | #CHENEW pic.twitter.com/qp7YE5bND0

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 27, 2024

Chelsea have now won 10 of their 14 Premier League games since the beginning of May (D2 L2), with only Manchester City (35) winning more points in the competition in this period.

However, the Blues had to overcome some nervy moments at Stamford Bridge, with Isak twice going close in the second half but unable to test Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea will welcome the Magpies back to the capital in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, and Maresca wants to see an improvement from his players.

“I am always concerned. We can attack better and defend better. We started three months ago so I am very happy where we are now,” Maresca continued.

“The important thing is the feeling is good. We play nine games already. I am not looking at the table at the moment. If you do that sometimes you can be confused.

“The players are understanding every day what we are working for. The fans can enjoy and dream.

“Us as a club and as players, we need to understand there are many things we can do better.”

For Newcastle, meanwhile, they have now failed to win in their last five games in the Premier League. Their last joint longest winless streak was from 21st January 2023 to 4th March 2023.

“I think you go through all types of cycles as a manager,” Howe said on whether his side’s current form is emotionally draining.

“You understand the difficult moments and you just have to ride through them knowing you’ll come back again.

“The attitude of the players gives me the most heart and that’s the most important thing.”

With Anthony Gordon missing with a groin injury, Newcastle lacked a clinical threat in the final third, with only three of their 11 shots on target during the game, something the Magpies boss alluded to in his post-match assessment.

“I think it’s just the final bit in both boxes where we didn’t defend the two moments well enough and I felt we had enough positive actions to score more,” Howe continued.

“Hopefully the goal will go a long way to ridding ourselves of that. No one can change it but us and we’ll continue to attack games and attack teams.”

Defeat. pic.twitter.com/TWw4oJt7bR

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) October 27, 2024