Cole Palmer: Chelsea player is a 'reason people pay' to watch football

Except perhaps for the purists, football fans don't go to a game to look at the zone markings or a low defensive block.

They go to chat, see destinations and experience magical moments. You look at players like Cole Palmer.

“That's why people pay,” Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said after another eye-catching performance from Palmer in Sunday's 2-1 win over Newcastle.

“You want to see a player like that and we are very happy to have him here.”

The England striker scored the winning goal, continuing his excellent form this season.

It was his seventh goal in nine Premier League games, but it wasn't just his finish – fine as it was – that earned the 22-year-old even more plaudits.

Instead, it was an incredible 60-yard pass from their own half that sent Pedro Neto down the flank and set up Nicolas Jackson's first-half opener.

Alan Smith, co-commentator of the game for Sky Sports, declared it the “pass of the season”, but those analyzing in the studio at half-time went one step further.

“'That 60-yard pass, I mean, that's one of the best passes I've ever seen, never mind this season, but in the Premier League,' enthused former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

“I take two or three Newcastle players out and then just put them in for Neto.”

Former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane added: “I love watching this kid.

“Even his attention when he gets the ball, he knows exactly what's happening, but then to make the pass… perfect pass, you just run and he'll pick you.”