Latest Premier League Golden boot standings as Chelsea's Cole Palmer claws back at Erling Haaland
Chelsea star Cole Palmer has some serious work to do in order to deny Erling Haaland of his second successive Premier League golden boot. Following the sensational 6-0 win against Everton, Palmer thrust himself into the conversation for top scorer after he bagged four to draw level with Haaland at 20 goals.
The Manchester City ace had slowed down in front of goal over the last few months with minor injuries plaguing him. However, he was back in the starting XI against Wolves on Saturday and reminded everyone of his stunning goal-scoring touch.
In the final moments of first half stoppage time, Haaland netted his second penalty and thus completed his hat-trick. During the second period, the Norway international grabbed his fourth of the evening to take him up to 25 goals for the season, five above Palmer.
Despite drawing a blank against Aston Villa and Tottenham, Palmer remained above Alexander Isak, Ollie Watkins and Mohamed Salah in the rankings, according to the Premier League's official website. Considering the lofty standards he has set himself, going two games without a goal was surprising for Palmer, however quickly stopped that extending to three games against West Ham.
Inside 15 minutes, Palmer reacted quickest to a Nicolas Jackson blocked shot to sweep home and give the Blues the lead. Mauricio Pochettino's side added another two goals before half time however neither involved Palmer with Conor Gallagher and Noni Madueke as the scorers.
Palmer's latest goal leaves him on 21 for the season, now four behind Haaland, with three games remaining for both following the conclusion of the West Ham clash. While Haaland travels to Fulham and Tottenham with Man City before closing out the season against West Ham, Palmer will look to add to his tally in fixtures against Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Bournemouth.
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Isak was level with Palmer following his goal for Newcastle against Burnley on Saturday but Palmer's strike against the Hammers has placed him back to being second outright. Watkins, Solanke and Salah follow close behind but it looks set to be a straight shootout between Palmer and Haaland for the final few weeks of the season to crown the golden boot winner.