Cole Palmer has openly declared that he feels better than he has in years, crediting the fresh start he’s gotten under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. The 24‑year‑old forward endured a turbulent 2025‑26 campaign, hampered by a nagging groin problem that limited him to just two appearances between August and December. Although he managed to finish the season with ten Premier League goals, a dip in form – only one goal in his final eight league matches – saw him miss out on a place in England’s World Cup squad. Palmer left that disappointment behind on Monday, opening the scoring in Chelsea’s 3‑2 victory over Fulham.
The goal was a vivid reminder of the talent that made him one of the most talked‑about young attackers in the league. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said, “Physically I feel good, probably the best I’ve felt in ages, but I think I can get fitter with more games and minutes.” He reflected on his injury woes, noting that prior to the groin issue he had rarely been sidelined. “Before the groin injury I’d never really been injured – well, rarely. I would just come back and play when I shouldn’t have,” he admitted.
The looming World Cup added a layer of complexity to his decision‑making. “If I didn’t play, I wouldn’t go to the World Cup, but if I played I risked not being at my best,” he explained, describing the situation as “sticky” and saying he received mixed advice from various medical staff. Since returning to full training, Palmer has been diligent about preventing a recurrence.
“I’ve been working every day to stop it happening again. I just want to stay injury‑free, and when I’m on the pitch I know what I can do,” he said. The early signs suggest that Alonso has granted him the creative freedom he craved under previous managers.
During the tenures of Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior, Palmer often felt constrained by more rigid tactical systems. He hinted at feeling “shackled” and suggested that the structures limited his ability to roam. However, after a candid conversation with his new boss, the forward says the situation has changed dramatically. “Alonso told me I’d have more freedom to drift about the pitch, just like you saw against Fulham when I scored,” Palmer recounted.
He added that last season he would never have attempted the same run because it fell outside what he considered a “safe zone.” “Alonso is saying I can move across that zone, drop into space, get on the ball, create and just do what I do best,” he said, emphasizing the renewed trust placed in him. That newfound liberty appears to be bearing fruit for Chelsea’s attacking line‑up, which now features a promising trio: Palmer, João Pedro, and new signing Morgan Rogers. All three found the net at Craven Cottage, prompting fans and pundits to dub the unit “JP Morgan.” While Palmer jokes that the nickname is “rubbish” and needs a better moniker, he is clearly enthusiastic about the chemistry developing among the three. “It’s a rubbish name.
We need something better,” he laughed. “João can do a bit of everything, Morgan is more physical and I’m more technical, so we have a good balance.” Chelsea’s win over Fulham gave the Blues a perfect start to the season, and with Alonso’s tactical acumen and the absence of European commitments, some observers have begun to label them as potential surprise title challengers. Former England defender Gary Neville, speaking on Monday Night Football, cautioned that Arsenal’s strength could prove a stumbling block but praised Chelsea’s current position, suggesting they could mount a serious push for a top‑two finish. When asked whether the squad’s quality was sufficient to mount a genuine title challenge, Palmer was optimistic but measured.
“We haven’t even spoken about the table,” he said. “You can’t call it a title race after one game.” Yet when pressed on the squad’s capability, he affirmed, “Yeah, I think so.” Looking ahead, Chelsea’s schedule includes a Carabao Cup clash with Luton, set to kick off at 7.30 pm on Thursday, and the club will be keen to see whether the attacking freedom granted by Alonso can be sustained over a full season.
Palmer’s personal journey—from injury‑plagued setbacks to a revitalised sense of purpose—mirrors the broader narrative of a Chelsea side eager to rewrite expectations under a new manager. As the season unfolds, fans will be watching closely to see if Palmer can maintain his renewed form, if the JP Morgan partnership can evolve into a lethal front line, and whether the Blues can indeed become the dark horse in the Premier League title race.