Emotional Cole Palmer hits out at ‘idiots on social media’ after ending goal drought

Cole Palmer fired back at “idiots and trolls” on social media after ending his scoring drought in Chelsea’s 3-1 win over Liverpool.

The 22-year-old had gone 18 games without scoring for club and country after a scintillating start to the season and admitted that the past three months had been tough.

His performance was excellent as Chelsea faced newly crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge and he was handed the chance to end his barren spell from the penalty spot when Moises Caicedo was fouled.

The England international said he did not feel under pressure and was “normal” when standing over the penalty but was clearly emotional afterwards as he opened up on the criticism he had received.

“Sh** happens, you know what I mean?” Palmer told Sky Sports. “I went three months without scoring but it gives me more motivation, more fight to do well.

“Social media nowadays, it’s full of idiots, full of trolls, I don’t pay any attention to that. To score today, I’m happy with that. I’ve got to keep improving and finding new levels.

Asked if he had been through a tough time, Palmer said: “[It would be] for anyone. Getting chances and not scoring... you're letting your team down at the end of the day.

"I feel like I'm mentally strong anyway so whatever people say, it doesn't bother me. I've had it all my life growing up. I feel pride in helping the team and if I'm not doing that, I'm not happy.

"Today, I felt like myself. I felt confident, I was trying things, first time passes, playing forward, playing free.”