Gary Neville’s comments about Chelsea signing Cole Palmer have come back to haunt him.
Chelsea made it two wins in succession as they edged past Luton Town 3-2 to move into the top half of the Premier League ahead of the 3pm kick-offs.
Like much of the campaign, Palmer was central to Chelsea’s victory and named Player of the Match, having netted a stunning brace and provided an assist for team-mate Noni Madueke.
Palmer has exceeded expectations since sealing a £42million move to Chelsea from Manchester City, registering six goals and five assists in his 19 games for the Blues.
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At the time of the transfer, eyebrows were raised among certain quarters regarding the price tag, given Palmer’s limited game-time at City.
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast back in September, Neville said Palmer was part of Chelsea’s “mad” transfer strategy under Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital.
The ex-United skipper said: "It's just a little bit mad, isn't it? It's chaotic. The amount of players they have signed. I saw Palmer come on today who they bought for £40million from City and you think, 'There's another one'".
Like many, Neville has since changed his tune on the Palmer signing.
Speaking on commentary during Chelsea’s October clash with Arsenal, Neville said: “I have to say, Palmer has been wonderful. He’s dropping deeper now and dictating the game.
“In moments like these, at Chelsea you want composure and Cole Palmer’s upbringing at City will give him that – he just looks so graceful out there on the ball.”
Palmer has also received praise from his Blues teammates after his balletic second goal against Luton.
Fellow goalscorer Madueke labelled the England international “Cold Palmer”, before telling TNT Sports: "That's him all over.
“He is very composed and very relaxed in goal-scoring situations and I'm happy for him. He has done very well since he came into the team."
Topics: Gary Neville, Cole Palmer, Chelsea, Premier League, Transfers
Chris Byfield