Cole Palmer ended his three-month goal drought with an emotional performance in Chelsea's 3-1 victory over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The 22-year-old midfielder scored from the penalty spot in stoppage time to seal the win for the Blues.
It was Palmer's first Premier League goal since mid-January, coming as part of a man-of-the-match display that helped boost Chelsea's Champions League hopes.
The England international appeared back to his confident best after a difficult period that had seen him go 18 games without scoring.
Cole Palmer admitted 's*** happens' in his Sky Sports interview
Sky Sports
Palmer didn't hold back in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, taking aim at his critics on social media.
"Social media nowadays is full of idiots, the trolls and whatever. I don't pay any attention to that," he said.
Sky Sports were forced to apologise after Palmer used a swear word during the interview.
"I just felt normal. Obviously s*** happens, I went three months without scoring but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team," Palmer told reporter Patrick Davison.
Palmer opened up about the mental toll of his goalless run, admitting he felt he was letting his teammates down.
"Getting chances and not scoring, it feels like you're letting your team down. I feel like I am mentally strong anyway," he said.
JUST IN: World Snooker Championship final halted after medical emergency with players leaving table
The Chelsea star insisted criticism doesn't affect him, adding: "I feel pride in helping the team and if I'm not doing that, I'm not happy."
Palmer revealed he felt more like himself against Liverpool: "Today I felt confident, I was trying things, first time passes, playing forward."
Palmer was full of praise for teammate Moises Caicedo, describing him as "a dream" to play alongside.
"From the start of the season, he has been our best player, he wins the ball back all the time, he's humble, nice to everyone and everyone loves him," Palmer said.
READ MORE: Andy Murray lands completely different job alongside Novak Djokovic coaching role
Chelsea took an early lead through Enzo Fernandez after just three minutes.
An own goal from Jarell Quansah doubled their advantage before Virgil van Dijk pulled one back for Liverpool.
The win moves Chelsea level on points with fourth-placed Newcastle, strengthening their Champions League hopes.
Former Chelsea and Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge backed Palmer's emotional interview.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
Cole Palmer says he doesn't pay attention to 'social media trolls' and the comments don't affect him ❌ pic.twitter.com/xj7wDHwQg4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) May 4, 2025
"I appreciate how much he cares. When he does interviews he's open about how he feels," Sturridge said.
"Palmer was absolutely magnificent today. There has been question marks about his consistency over the last few months but this is the Cole Palmer that we all know and love."
Caicedo also praised his teammate, saying: "Cole he's an amazing guy. Always train hard, so happy for him. He helps us a lot even when he didn't score."
