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Cole Palmer was back with a bang as far as Chelsea are concerned as he found the net in their 4-1 win against Aston Villa.
Joao Pedro stole the headlines with his stunning hat-trick, however Palmer’s goal after half-time was a crucial one for the Blues, putting an end to any comeback hopes at Villa Park.
It was a much-needed moment in a big game for the England international, however before his goal it was clear things were still not fully working as he was hoping.
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Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images Enzo Fernandez spotted encouraging Cole Palmer moments before his goal vs Aston Villa
This is where teammate Enzo Fernandez stepped in. Journalist Kieran Gill noticed that the World Cup winner was doing his best to encourage Chelsea’s star man as they re-emerged for the second half.
He said: “Noticed as the Chelsea players were walking in at half-time that Enzo Fernandez was having a word with Cole Palmer, trying to pick him up, encourage him. The same was happening as they exited for the second half.”
Photo by Ben Roberts – Danehouse/Getty Images
Fernandez’s intervention had the perfect impact as far as Chelsea are concerned, with Palmer enjoying a far stronger second half even without the goal.
He constantly posed a threat down the right, a position which is looking like the one he should start in for the remainder of the season.
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His hat-trick at Villa Park takes him to 14!
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Fernandez is one of Chelsea’s core leadership group, and frequently dons the captain’s armband when Reece James doesn’t start.
His conduct on the pitch is backing up why he is in a position where players at the club look up to him, and his displays on the pitch have backed that up too.
Fernandez has shone particularly since Liam Rosenior took over the club, with them making a great statement tonight in their push for a place in the top five this season.
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