Poch praises plucky Palmer for keeping his Cole

Mauricio Pochettino backed Cole Palmer to continue delivering the goods for Chelsea after his fifth penalty of the season helped the Blues beat Fulham.

There was little to separate the West London rivals in a tight contest on Saturday lunchtime other than the ex-Manchester City starlet's spot-kick in first-half injury time.

Palmer, who now has nine Premier League goals this term, endured a tough trip to Middlesbrough in midweek when spurning several chances in his side's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.

Yet his boss believes such inconsistencies are par for the course with young players and is thrilled with Palmer's efforts since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

Pochettino said: "We believe in Cole. Even when he didn't score with the three big chances in Middlesbrough. 

"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 team-mates.

"It is the first season he 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 to him."

The victory sees Chelsea move up to eighth in the table, level on points with Brighton and Manchester United.

It is the first time since October 2022 that the Blues have won three straight Premier League clashes and Pochettino is content with the direction his young squad are moving in.

He added: "This type of victory is important because when you see Fulham in the way they played against Liverpool or Arsenal in the last few weeks you need to put some value on the win. 

"The players deserved credit. They are not an easy side to play against. 

"People suppose that Chelsea should be in a different position but we are in a realistic position and in a position that we deserve because we weren't clinical enough. 

"We'll get what we want. We are in a process to build and fighting to do our best. I am so happy with the squad."