Daily Dispatch

It’s only going to get better for Chelsea, says Palmer

- WILLIAM SCHOMBERG

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer says he is confident Mauricio Pochettino’s “project” will bear fruit, though fans may have to be patient for a couple of seasons before the club reaps the rewards of his work.

Pochettino’s expensive squad have struggled for consistenc­y this season, with some fans turning on the manager and the club’s US owners after a 2-2 draw at Brentford in their previous game.

However, Palmer helped put a smile on the faces of the Stamford Bridge faithful by setting up one goal and scoring another in their 3-2 win over Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday.

“There is so much talent at Chelsea,” Palmer told the club’s website.

“The way that the manager works with us on the pitch, and the things he does with us, it’s only going to get better.

“I’m sure if not next season, the season after, it’s a project, everyone is young and everyone is trying to play well so you will see it sooner or later.

“We’re still in the FA Cup, hopefully we’ll win on Sunday (against Leicester City).

“We’ll take each league game as it comes, hopefully climb the table and you’ll never know where we finish.”

Chelsea are 11th in the league on 39 points, three points behind Brighton & Hove Albion in eighth spot having played a game fewer.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said he was frustrated that Newcastle were undone by sloppy defending.

“I thought we were good in lots of aspects of our play tonight,” he told TALKSPORT radio.

“You can’t concede goals that way, home or away, and expect to win the game, simple as that.”

 ?? Picture: GETTY IMAGES/ALEX PANTLING ?? ALL SMILES: Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, second from left, celebrates scoring the winner with teammates during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, in London, on Monday.
Picture: GETTY IMAGES/ALEX PANTLING ALL SMILES: Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, second from left, celebrates scoring the winner with teammates during the Premier League match against Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge, in London, on Monday.

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