What Noni Madueke did immediately after Cole Palmer goal vs Liverpool shows true Chelsea colours

Cole Palmer finally broke his 18-game goal drought as he scored Chelsea's third goal an in impressive victory over Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

With Aston Villa and Manchester City winning 1-0 and Newcastle dropping points away at Brighton, the Blues needed to beat Arne Slot's side on Sunday afternoon to keep pace.

And Enzo Fernandez opening the scoring after just three minutes was the perfect start to doing exactly that.

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Some great movement from Palmer allowed him to turn and free Pedro Neto with the Portugal international crossing for Fernandez, who showed great composure to bring the ball under control and fire past Alisson.

Chelsea remained in control for the majority of the first half but could not find that killer touch to double their advantage. Thankfully for Maresca, Liverpool found it for them with Virgil van Dijk's attempted clearance striking Jarell Quansah and flying into the back of the net.

The Liverpool captained atoned for that error when he pulled one back with a header from a corner. However,

Even without getting on the score sheet, it was easily Palmer's best display in some time and Maresca suggested it was a long time coming.

the Chelsea boss said: "Probably from the outside, [yes]. But we saw Cole day-by-day on the training ground and he is exactly the same way, scoring goals and happy. Enjoying the session.

"For sure, when he is not scoring goals he is not happy and the reason why is because he probably wants to help the team and the club to reach something important."

During his celebration, it was also clear he has the full backing of his teammates with Jadon Sancho and Madueke among those rallying around him.

The latter then made his thoughts perfectly clear on those that have been criticising Palmer for his lack of output as he sarcastically made a talking rubbish gesture with his hand.

Chelsea are level on 63 points with Newcastle, their next league opponents, but behind on goal difference. City meanwhile, are a point above both while Forest can also hit a tally of 63 if they beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Monday evening.