Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer has been named as the Premier League's Player of the Month for April.
Although the Blues have endured an indifferent campaign during 2023-24, Palmer has been a revelation since making the switch from Manchester City in August.
The 22-year-old has contributed a total of 21 goals and nine assists from his 30 appearances in the Premier League.
Palmer's performances have generally been consistent throughout the campaign, yet it was during April when he really came to the fore at a time when Chelsea needed to make headway in the race for the European spots.
You're looking at April's @PremierLeague Player of the Month winner. 🥶🏆 pic.twitter.com/uLdeMLIzQs
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 10, 2024
How did Palmer perform during April?
During four appearances in the top flight during April, Palmer contributed an incredible seven goals and one assist, even going one match without recording either.
On April 4 against Manchester United, Palmer would score a hat-trick in one of the most thrilling games of the season with his latter two goals being netted in the 99th minute and beyond.
Although his first two strikes came from the penalty spot, his third - albeit a deflected effort - came from some quick-thinking at a corner, his desire to not settle for a share of the spoils in a topsy-turvy game being rewarded.
Palmer would then provide the assist for Noni Madueke's goal against Sheffield United three days later, Chelsea eventually having to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Eight days later, Palmer would produce one of the most complete displays from any player in this season's Premier League, scoring four times in a 6-0 win over Everton.
© Reuters
Either side of a close-range header for his second, Palmer netted two goal-of-the-month contenders, firstly whipping a delightful low curling effort into the bottom corner from 20 yards.
His hat-trick took 16 minutes and was completed before the half-hour mark with a long-range lob of Jordan Pickford after a misplaced pass from the Everton goalkeeper.
Another penalty followed in the second half, but Palmer did not provide a goal or assist in the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa, with the downside being a missed one-on-one chance in the closing minutes that would have earned Chelsea a comeback win.
Who did Palmer beat?
Pickford, Arsenal's Kai Havertz, Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes, Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Man City centre-back Josko Gvardiol were the players to miss out to Palmer.
The England international has enjoyed a successful week on the awards front, also being presented with Chelsea's Player of the Year and Players' Player of the year accolades.
Meanwhile, Everton's Sean Dyche has been named the Premier League Manager of the Month for April.
Darren Plant
