‘Sh*t player’ - Cole Palmer team-mate writes rude message on hat-trick ball after late drama in Chelsea’s thrilling win over Man Utd

The Blues appeared to be heading for defeat at Stamford Bridge deep into stoppage-time, despite having raced into a two-goal lead. They were pegged back by the Red Devils and trailed to Alejandro Garnacho’s second-half strike – following an incredible assist by Antony – as the clock reached 99 minutes.

Palmer was then presented with an opportunity to convert his second penalty of the game, before firing in a stunning winner a matter of seconds later that was deflected beyond Andre Onana by the unfortunate Scott McTominay.

Palmer’s first senior hat-trick landed him a prized memento, which he made a point of getting team-mates to sign in the dressing room afterwards. Among the many words of encouragement, one crude message could be spotted on the ball in question.

Blues legend Joe Cole told TNT Sports after witnessing Palmer’s hat-trick heroics against United: “It was like he just got off the sofa, he's got his cocoa in his hand, and he's ready for bed. He's the coolest man in the building. These fans love him. Cause there's no experienced players around, you're looking for someone who's got something magical. You watch Jude Bellingham, he's not 20 years old. You feel the same with Cole Palmer. From Manchester United's perspective, in a crucial point of the game, how can you let the best player on the pitch have the time to take a touch in the box and strike it. Even he must be thinking, what's going on here? How have I got this time? He's been remarkable. I would say, signing of the season. He's taken this team by the scruff of the neck, and gone, ‘you're my team. I'm the one that's going to drag this team through’. Absolutely build a team around him. He has the personality for it.”

Chelsea will be back in Premier League action on Sunday when taking in a trip to rock-bottom Sheffield United. Palmer will head into that game with 16 goals to his name in the English top-flight – with that return leaving him two adrift of Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.