Cole Palmer has staked his claim to replace the recently departed Riyad Mahrez with an impressive showing in the FA Community Shield loss to Arsenal.
Coming on as a second-half substitute, Palmer showed himself capable of possibly being the Algerian winger who has left the treble-winners for Al-Ahli. He put in a lively performance on the right wing, showing signs he’s ready to take the next step in his young career.
The City academy graduate opened the scoring in the 77th minute for the treble winners. He expertly curled the ball into the far corner after cutting in from the right-hand side. It was a goal reminiscent of the type Riyad Mahrez scored regularly for Manchester City.
UNSTOPPABLE 🤩
Cole Palmer finds the top bins for @ManCity 🗑#CommunityShield pic.twitter.com/YkLIgBkWcF
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) August 6, 2023
Unfortunately, Palmer’s wonder goal would come in a penalty shootout loss after the game finished 1-all. The champions would go on to lose 4-1 on penalties.
City’s young winger was proud of his goal, but disappointed in the loss. Speaking post-game with mancity.com he said: “Obviously disappointed to concede in the last minute and then penalties. But that’s football.” Palmer explained he added: “We dug in deep. It is what it is. We played well. It’s the first official game of the season, so it’s about momentum building and stuff. Of course, scoring at Wembley for the club you’ve been at since the age of seven, is a proud moment. But it doesn’t count for much at the end of the day, but obviously it’s a nice feeling.”
After such a promising start to his season, if Cole Palmer does get more opportunities with the first team this season, he seems poised to take the next step in his young career.
