The Pride of London's Chelsea Player of the Month for December 2024

Chelsea FC endured a grueling December fixture schedule, navigating nine matches in 30 days across all competitions. The Blues started the month on a promising note with strong performances but saw their form dwindle as December progressed, culminating in a 2-0 defeat to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town. Overall, Chelsea recorded six victories, two losses, and one draw during this demanding period.

The period saw Chelsea produce commanding performances, including a 3-0 triumph over Aston Villa, a thrilling 4-3 victory against Tottenham Hotspur, and a 5-1 demolition of Shamrock Rovers in the UEFA Conference League. Key players delivered standout displays throughout the month, with Marc Guiu netting five goals in two European outings, Enzo Fernandez dominating midfield, and Jadon Sancho dazzling with his footwork. However, it was Cole Palmer who claimed Pride of London's Chelsea Player of the Month award for December 2024, capping off the year with five goals and one assist.

Palmer was instrumental in most matches, with the exceptions of a goalless draw against Everton and the disappointing loss to Ipswich. The 22-year-old delivered a moment of brilliance against Aston Villa, scoring a spectacular goal while off-balance and providing an assist for Fernandez. Palmer's composure from the penalty spot was equally impressive, as he converted two penalties in the dramatic 4-3 win over Spurs, including a Panenka at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. In doing so, he etched his name into Premier League history, surpassing Yaya Toure's record for penalty conversion rate by scoring 12 consecutive spot-kicks without a miss.

Palmer's individual brilliance continued in Chelsea's 2-1 loss to Fulham, where he opened the scoring with a superb solo goal reminiscent of Eden Hazard's iconic strike against West Ham United. Picking up the ball deep, Palmer weaved past three defenders before slotting home coolly—a rare highlight in an otherwise frustrating match for the Blues.

While Chelsea's form dipped as December progressed, Palmer remained a shining light, delivering consistent performances even as results faltered. He carried his momentum into the new year, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Despite the Blues slipping to fourth place in the Premier League table after sitting second on December 15, Palmer's contributions have kept them in the hunt for a top-four finish.

With just two points from their last four league matches, Chelsea must quickly regain momentum to stay competitive in the race for Champions League qualification. They face Morecambe in the FA Cup on January 11 before hosting an in-form Bournemouth side, who are unbeaten in their last five league games, at Stamford Bridge.