Chelsea star Cole Palmer has cemented his status as the Premier League’s most reliable penalty taker, converting all 12 of his career spot-kicks in the competition. The 21-year-old reached this milestone in style, delivering an audacious Panenka to score Chelsea’s fourth goal in their thrilling 4-3 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Earlier in the match, Palmer had already demonstrated his precision from the spot, confidently dispatching a penalty to level the game. His fearless approach and composure have made him Chelsea’s undisputed penalty specialist, a role he has embraced since joining the club from Manchester City for £45 million in the summer of 2023.
A Perfect Record Built on Confidence
Remarkably, Palmer had never taken a penalty in senior football before his move to Stamford Bridge. While a regular penalty-taker for Manchester City’s U18 team, he only began taking spot-kicks at the senior level when Raheem Sterling handed him the ball against Burnley in October 2023. Palmer converted with ease, scoring his first goal for Chelsea and taking over penalty duties from then on.
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However, his newfound role wasn’t without challenges. Against Arsenal later that month, Sterling tried to claim a penalty, but Enzo Fernandez intervened, ensuring Palmer maintained his responsibility. Similarly, during Chelsea’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Everton in April 2024, teammates Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson contested a penalty after Palmer had already completed a hat-trick from open play. Undeterred, Palmer confidently stepped up and beat Jordan Pickford for his fourth goal of the game.
Unwavering Composure Under Pressure
Palmer’s ability to remain calm in high-pressure moments has been a defining feature of his rise at Chelsea. His flawless penalty record, capped by his Panenka against Tottenham, not only highlights his technical skill but also underscores his mental strength, making him one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.