Cole Palmer scored twice in stoppage time on Thursday to lead Chelsea to a 4-3 victory over Manchester United, thereby eliminating United’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Erik ten Hag’s men appeared to be on their way to a spectacular triumph after rallying from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 in a game that saw a total of 47 shots.
Palmer, however, had the final say, tying the game in the 100th minute with a penalty shot and then scoring the winner moments later.
United’s defeat left them 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa with only eight games remaining and facing a season outside Europe’s elite club tournament.
However, it propels Mauricio Pochettino’s side to 10th position in the table, keeping them in contention for European places.
Chelsea had not won against Manchester United in 12 Premier League matches, but they took the lead in the fourth minute thanks to captain Conor Gallagher.
Palmer extended the home team’s lead with his first penalty in the 19th minute, capping a disastrous start for Ten Hag’s erratic squad.
However, two goals in a five-minute span later in the first half by Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes brought the visitors level as the game brightened.
In an exciting second period, play swung wildly from end to end, but Garnacho headed home Antony’s perfect cross in the 67th minute to give United the lead.
The visitors appeared to be on track for a morale-boosting victory, but officials announced that there would be eight minutes of extra time.
Chelsea received a lifeline when Diogo Dalot lunged at Noni Madueke, and referee Jarred Gillett’s on-field decision to award a penalty kick was confirmed after a long VAR review.
But the drama did not stop there.
CHAOS. #CFC | #CheMun pic.twitter.com/YrAJymcDyl
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 4, 2024
United were caught off guard by Enzo Fernandes’ fast corner, which he played to Palmer.
The Chelsea forward shot past the despairing Onana with the help of a deflection to secure the three points, sending the Stamford Bridge crowd berserk.