Chelsea star Cole Palmer admitted ‘s*** happens’ as he finally ended his four-month goal drought in his side’s 3-1 win over champions Liverpool.
The England international fired in a late penalty to seal the victory, with the Reds losing their first Premier League game in which Virgil van Dijk has scored.
Arne Slot‘s side, featuring for the first time since clinching the title last weekend, fell behind at Stamford Bridge just three minutes in after Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring.
Chelsea wrapped up the points in the second half with a Jarell Quansah own goal and Palmer penalty either side of Van Dijk’s consolation strike.
It is the first time the Reds have lost with the Dutch defender on target in the top-flight.
Their unique unbeaten streak dates back to hisfirst league goal for the club in December 2018.
Since that goal in a 2-0 win over Wolves, Liverpool had avoided defeat in 20 matches that saw Van Dijk get on the score sheet.
In contrast, Palmer ended his own dry spell in front of goal with his stoppage time spot-kick.
The England international had not found the net since January, a run stretching back 18 matches.
His emotions got the better of him during an X-rated post-match interview.
Asked whether he was nervous before taking the penalty, Palmer told Sky Sports: “I just felt normal. Obviously s*** happens, I’m sorry for my language!
“I went three months without scoring, but it just gives me more fight and motivation to do more for myself and for the team.
“Social media nowadays is full of idiots, the trolls and whatever. I don’t pay any attention to that.
“I’ve scored today and I’m happy but it’s only one and I’ve got to keep improving and try and reach new levels.”
Discussing his recent lack of goals, he added: “Getting chances and not scoring, it feels like you’re letting your team down.
“I feel like I am mentally strong anyway. I feel pride in helping the team and if I’m not doing that, I’m not happy.”
As for the performance against Liverpool, Palmer said: “Today I felt confident, I was trying things, first time passes, playing forward.
“When you have got him [Moises Caicedo] in front of you, it’s a dream.
“From the start of the season, he has been our best player, he wins the ball back all the time, he’s humble, nice to everyone and everyone loves him.”
Despite his four-month wait for a goal, Palmer now boasts 25 goal contributions this season.
Across all competitions, the 22-year-old has scored 15 times and provided ten assists for his team-mates.
Meanwhile, the result marked Liverpool’s first loss by two goals in the league under Slot.
Following his appointment last summer, the former Feyenoord boss had only seen his side lose twice in the Premier League.
Those defeats to Nottingham Forest and Fulham had both been by a single goal.
The Reds remain 15 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table with just three matches remaining.
As for Chelsea, they occupy fifth place in the race for Champions League qualification.
