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Apr 15, 2024 17:00-04:00

Chelsea player ratings vs Everton: Cole Palmer is coming for the Golden Boot! Blues' main man nets FOUR times in massive Premier League win but pathetic penalty squabble takes shine off perfect night

The England international drew level with Erling Haaland after an outstanding display at Stamford Bridge.

Where would Chelsea be without Cole Palmer? It's a question that has followed the Blues around like a lost puppy all season and on Monday, Palmer provided the most concrete proof yet of just how vitally important he is to Mauricio Pochettino's side, netting a quite incredible hat-trick inside half an hour against Everton.

This resounding 6-0 victory moved Chelsea to within three points of sixth place with a game in hand and with an FA Cup final to follow on Saturday, there remains hope that Mauricio Pochettino's side can salvage a respectable finish from the absolute bin fire that was their entire 2023.

Palmer got the party started in the 13th minute, finishing off a scintillating passage of play with a first-time shot into the far corner. He then headed home from close range and produced a stunning lob to seal his perfect hat trick, leaving just enough first-half time for Nicolas Jackson to compound the struggling Toffees' misery with an excellent finish inside the box.

With the goals flying in and Chelsea even defending competently, it all looked set to be a rare perfect night. But the Blues just couldn't help letting a little of their dysfunction seep through during the second half, with an embarrassing penalty squabble between Jackson and Noni Madueke threatening to take the shine off their side's performance.

Palmer would eventually step up, holding his nerve in spite of the nonsense to score his fourth of the match, but the scene would've sent Pochettino mad on the touchline. The blow would likely have been softened by the uplifting scene of boyhood Blues fans Alfie Gilchrist scoring his first-ever senior goal in second-half stoppage time at least.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge...

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Goalkeeper & Defence
Djordje Petrovic (6/10):
Forced into action a couple of times and made some decent stops.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Sloppy start on his return, but grew into things as his side took control. Ventured forward to good effect in the second half.
Thiago Silva (8/10):
Calm and collected. Never looked overly strained.
Trevoh Chalobah (8/10):
Dealt with Everton's direct approach extremely well for the most part. Finished with nine clearances.
Marc Cucurella (8/10):
Good cross to find Jackson for the fourth goal. Generally looked good going forward.

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Midfield
Moises Caicedo (7/10):
A very good display. Always busy breaking things up and played some great, one-touch passes.
Conor Gallagher (8/10):
Played deeper than usual in Enzo Fernandez's absence and did not look out of place. Made some good runs, with Everton resorting to fouls to halt his progress. Showed good leadership when breaking up the penalty argument.
Cole Palmer (10/10):
Just such a pleasure to watch and has the finishing touch too. Level with Erling Haaland in the Premier League Golden Boot race now...
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Attack
Noni Madueke (6/10):
Direct and dangerous to start out, but faded. Desperately wanted to take the penalty and at least he had the sense to celebrate with Palmer when he scored.
Nicolas Jackson (7/10):
Finished so, so well for the fourth goal. Into double figures for the season now, but his pathetic reaction to Palmer scoring from the spot somewhat took the shine off his night.
Mykhailo Mudryk (7/10):
Excellent work for the second goal. Finally starting to find his feet in the Premier League.

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Subs & Manager
Carney Chukwuemeka (6/10):
Provided some fresh impetus in the closing stages.
Alfie Gilchrist (7/10):
What a moment. Took his goal well.
Ben Chilwell (7/10):
Helped see things out in the closing ten minutes and did well in the lead-up to the sixth.
Cesare Casadei (6/10):
Did not have time to get involved.
Deivid Washington (N/A):
Brief cameo.
Mauricio Pochettino (8/10):
There was a lot of concern about Chelsea's mounting injury list before this one, but he steered his side through the noise admirably. Deserves credit for how well he's got Palmer playing - but simply must designate a penalty taker.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Midfield

Attack

Subs & Manager