'We believe in him' - Chelsea rally round Cole Palmer after narrow win over Fulham

Cole Palmer picked himself up from his midweek League Cup nightmare to score the only goal of Chelsea's victory over Fulham on Saturday.

The 21-year-old summer signing from Manchester City missed a hat-trick of glorious chances on Tuesday as Chelsea were beaten 1-0 at second-tier Middlesbrough in the semi-final first-leg clash at Stamford Bridge.

But manager Maurico Pochettino kept faith in his young attacker who scored from the spot to earn his team all three points against their west-London rivals.

And the Argentine insisted that Palmer and 20-year-old left-back Levi Colwill, who also came in for criticism after the cup defeat in the north-east, have the full support of everyone at the club.

“We believe in him, even when he didn't score with the three big chances in Middlesbrough,” said Pochettino. “We believe in him and he has the quality to play. It is important for young guys to feel the support of the coaching staff, club and teammates.

“It is the first season they [Palmer and Levi Colwill] are playing consistently every week and this kind of up and down can happen. It is important to relay that confidence and belief.”

Raheem Sterling also gave Palmer his backing, adding that he will help his young teammate in any way he can.

“Cole is someone I know very well and someone with a lot of ability,” said Sterling. “Anything I can do to help him, I try to do. He's got his goal today.

Four home #PL wins on the bounce!