Cole Palmer scored a third goal against Fulham on Monday by nutmegging goalkeeper Bernd Leno to give Chelsea a 3-1 lead [1, 2].
The goal serves as a pivotal moment in the London derby, showcasing Palmer's individual skill and Chelsea's offensive momentum early in the season.
The sequence began with hold-up play from Joao Pedro [1]. Palmer then made an overlapping run that allowed him to bypass Leno with a nutmeg, slotting the ball into the net to extend the lead to 3-1 [1, 2].
The match kicked off at 1 p.m. local time [3]. While Chelsea maintained control for much of the contest, Fulham managed to close the gap late in the game. The match ultimately ended with a final score of 3-2 in favor of Chelsea [2].
Palmer's contribution continues to be a focal point for the Chelsea attack. The victory provides the team with critical points in the Premier League standings as they navigate the early stages of the 2026 campaign.
Leno, the Chelsea goalkeeper, was the target of the nutmeg during the play [1]. Despite the lapse in the third goal, the defensive unit held on to secure the narrow one-goal victory [2].
“Cole Palmer nutmegged goalkeeper Bernd Leno to give Chelsea a 3-1 lead”
This result reinforces Cole Palmer's role as a primary offensive catalyst for Chelsea. By securing a win in a high-intensity London derby, Chelsea demonstrates an ability to maintain leads under pressure, though the 3-2 final score suggests lingering vulnerabilities in the defensive transition that may require adjustment.
