Cole Palmer’s hat trick sparks stunning 4-3 comeback for Chelsea against Man United

LONDON (AP) — Cole Palmer struck twice in stoppage time to complete a hat trick and a stunning 4-3 comeback win for Chelsea against Manchester United in the Premier League on Thursday.

United was headed for a dramatic victory at Stamford Bridge after recovering from 2-0 down to lead 3-2.

But Palmer ensured the points went to Chelsea after converting a penalty in the 110th minute and then firing a winner with a deflected effort from outside the box a minute later.

“It should be a turning point for the fans’ trust in the team,” Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said.

A 12th league defeat of the season and will likely heap more pressure on manager Erik ten Hag ahead of Sunday’s game against title-chasing Liverpool.

“We have to learn from it. When you are a Man Utd player you should already know how to deal with this circumstance,” Ten Hag said.

Chelsea had raced into a 2-0 lead through Conor Gallagher’s effort from just inside the area in the fourth minute and Palmer’s penalty in the 19th.

But United responded impressively with Alejandro Garnacho seizing on a mistake from Moises Caicedo to pull a goal back in the 34th.

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Bruno Fernandes evened the score when he headed in Diogo Dalot’s cross five minutes later.

United went ahead in the 67th through Garnacho, who headed past Djordje Petrovic after a wonderful cross from the outside of Antony’s boot.

United looked comfortable with time running down until Dalot brought down Noni Madueke in the box and Palmer sparked late drama.

“It’s a massive momentum booster. It puts everyone in a good mood. Hopefully we can kick on,” Palmer said.

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