Cole Palmer scored the latest goal in Premier League history as Chelsea recovered from 3-2 down to deny Manchester United a comeback win of their own and severely damage the visitors’ fading hopes of qualifying for the Uefa Champions League.
Alejandro Garnacho’s 67th-minute header put United on course for a memorable victory after they overturned a 2-0 deficit to take the lead in a breathlessly end-to-end encounter.
Diogo Dalot was adjudged to have brought down Noni Madueke in the 98th minute and, after a lengthy VAR check to confirm the decision, Palmer swept in a spot kick with 10 minutes of added time played which looked to have rescued his side a point.
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There was even more extraordinary drama to come when Palmer took aim in space from the edge of the penalty area, firing in the 111th-minute winner to complete his hat-trick via a deflection off Scott McTominay and return Chelsea to winning ways after their 2-2 draw at home to Burnley on Saturday.
Chelsea v Man United: Goals galore
However close they come to realising their ambition of transforming United on the pitch, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford may never oversee a more dramatic, unpredictable night than this.
The pair watched from the stands as United made a dire start, Conor Gallagher firing Chelsea ahead with a low strike from 16 yards after four minutes and Blues top scorer Palmer converting a penalty for his 17th goal of the season 15 minutes later.
Cool as you like! 🥶
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2024
Antony had brought down Marc Cucurella for that penalty but United’s wingers played a far more positive part in the rest of the first half.
Garnacho pounced on a poor Moises Caicedo pass to slot in their first in the 34th minute, halving a deficit which dissolved when Bruno Fernandes headed in Diogo Dalot’s cross from the left at the back post six minutes later.
Palmer struck the woodwork as the sides traded a torrent of chances before Garnacho completed United’s apparent comeback, heading in Antony’s terrific delivery as the Brazil wideman redeemed his early mistake.
UNBELIEVABLE!! 🔥
Cole Palmer steals the show to complete his hat trick and put Chelsea back in the lead! 🤩
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 4, 2024
No team had ever lost from being ahead in the 110th minute of a Premier League match, but United again conspired against themselves, Dalot blundering before Palmer was allowed an abundance of space to conclude a remarkable evening.
The result lifted Chelsea to 10th and has strengthened their chances of qualifying for the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
For United manager Erik ten Hag, the consolation of participating in a classic may not be much consolation for another defeat in a defensively chaotic campaign.
