In Premier League history, the most recent winner was scored at 100 minutes and 39 seconds, leaving United stunned. Despite leading for nine minutes of injury time, United ultimately lost the match. This late turn of events sent Stamford Bridge into a state of extreme excitement.
United had been in the lead for 99 minutes and 17 seconds, making it the latest a team has ever led in a Premier League match that they ended up losing.
The game was filled with non-stop action from the start, as Blues captain Conor Gallagher quickly put the hosts ahead. The intensity never let up.
Within the first 20 minutes, Palmer doubled the hosts’ lead from the penalty spot after Antony fouled Marc Cucurella.
However, Alejandro Garnacho initiated a comeback for United when he capitalized on Moises Caicedo’s poor pass at the back.
Just five minutes later, Bruno Fernandes equalized for United with a header from Diogo Dalot’s cross.
Garnacho scored his second goal by heading in an excellent cross from Antony with the outside of his boot, leaving United to believe they had secured the victory.
But the match took a dramatic turn as Chelsea snatched all three points in the final moments.
Substitute Noni Madueke was brought down by Dalot in the penalty area, and Palmer confidently stepped up to level the scores at 100 minutes.
Then, in the 101st minute, Palmer received the ball from a short corner and his powerful shot deflected off a United player, beating goalkeeper Andre Onana. This ignited wild celebrations in the stadium.
Since his arrival at Chelsea in the summer for a transfer fee of £42.5m, Palmer has made an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old has been the standout performer in a season filled with ups and downs for Chelsea and their youthful team.
Palmer’s hat-trick has taken his goal tally to 16 in the league – placing him joint-second, only trailing behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
With seven goals in his last four matches for the club, he remains a beacon of hope for Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
Maintaining a perfect record from the penalty spot, Palmer has converted all eight spot-kicks he has taken this season – showcasing his unwavering quality in front of goal.
After making his debut for England in November and earning a call-up to the latest squad, his current form suggests that he is increasingly likely to be selected by Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024 this summer.