Cole Palmer could surpass Chelsea record set by Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba in final game of the season vs Bournemouth
Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer could break the record for the most goals scored at home by a player in a single Premier League campaign. He could break the record during the Blues' final game of the season against Bournemouth on Sunday, May 19.
The Englishman has been a revelation ever since he made the move to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in the summer of 2023. He has scored 27 goals in 47 games across all competitions, of which 22 goals have come in the Premier League.
He's currently tied with club legends Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba for the most goals scored in a Premier League season at home. The 22-year-old has 16 goals at home and could add more to his tally if he scores against Bournemouth on Sunday.
Palmer was also shortlisted for the Premier League Player of the Season due to his purple patch. While he lost the award to his former teammate Phil Foden, the Chelsea forward was awarded Premier League's Young Player of the Year award.
Chelsea need a point to bag a top-six finish in the Premier League this season
The Blues turned things around, albeit a little late this season. Following a 0-5 mauling at the hands of Arsenal earlier in April, the west London club have remained undefeated in five games since.
Chelsea have won their games against Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, and Brighton & Hove Albion. They drew against Aston Villa at Villa Park as well.
Mauricio Pochettino's men only need a point from Sunday's game to manage a top-six finish, which once looked like a pipe dream. Should they win their game against Bournemouth and Spurs lose to Sheffield United, the Blues might even claim the fifth spot due to their superior goal difference.
This will allow them to compete in the Europa League. The west London side have been away from European competition since their UEFA Champions League triumph in 2021. However, if they finish sixth and Manchester United win the FA Cup, Chelsea will be demoted to the Europa Conference League.
Furthermore, several players who were out injured throughout the season, have returned to full-time action. Christopher Nkunku, who has missed most of the season since his arrival, returned and how against the Blues' game against Brighton & Hove Albion on May 15 (Wednesday).
He scoreed as Chelsea beat Brighton 2-1. Captain Reece James, too, returned following recovery after a surgery. Sadly, he was handed a red card in the dying embers of the game. James will miss the game against Bournemouth and the first three games of the next season.