Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has commented on Cole Palmer's electric recent form, calling it "difficult to explain".

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• Palmer hat-trick blew away United in 4-3 thriller
• He has 16 goals and eight assists this season
• Pochettino full of praise for England international

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Following boyhood Manchester United fan Palmer's hat-trick against the Red Devils on Thursday, Pochettino has spoken out about the 21-year-old's excellent performances since joining Chelsea from Manchester City last summer, saying "no one expected him to perform like this".

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  WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

  "It is difficult to explain," said Pochettino when asked about Palmer's form. "Sometimes expectation plays a role in a player when they are young. I think when we signed him, no one expected him to perform like this. For sure, we have talented players and they need time. We have a young team that needs to grow. This process is painful when you are not in a position the club is used to. The club want to build this new project. We know what we are doing but the process is not so fast."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Palmer made all the difference against the Red Devils, tucking away a confident penalty in the first half before dispatching a second spot kick and a dramatic winner in the dying moments of the game, after over 10 minutes of stoppage time. His hat-trick brings his goal tally for the season to 16, and he's also notched eight assists in the Premier League in 2023-24.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The games are coming thick and fast for Chelsea right now; their next fixture is a trip north to Sheffield United on Sunday 7 April, where they'll be expected to follow up Thursday's dramatic victory with another three points.

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