Palmer calls Lavia top performer

Chelsea defeated Manchester United 2-0 on Saturday at Stamford Bridge, a result that highlighted the form of midfielder Romeo Lavia. Cole Palmer, the Blues' forward, identified his teammate as the standout performer in the match.

The game remained scoreless through the first half. In the second half, Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock to put Chelsea ahead. Palmer subsequently converted a penalty to secure the 2-0 victory. Manchester United finished the match with ten players after VAR review confirmed a foul by Lisandro Martinez on Wesley Fofana.

Lavia, 22, partnered with Moises Caicedo in the center of the pitch. The Guadeloupean international joined Chelsea from Southampton in 2023 for a fee of £53 million. Despite the high transfer value, injury has limited him to just 53 appearances over three seasons.

"Today was one of the best games I’ve seen him play," Palmer said Sport following the full-time whistle. "I’ve said all along he’s one of my favourite midfielders, people still don’t realise how good he is." Palmer noted that Lavia has been working to move past his injury history and deliver consistent performances.

Manager Xabi Alonso echoed the praise for Lavia's tactical execution. Alonso described the midfielder's output as a "top, top performance." The manager pointed out that Lavia effectively linked the defense with the attack, switched the play effectively, and made sound decisions throughout the match.

Alonso added that Lavia has maintained a high level of play for the last two to three weeks. "He’s been always connecting the defence with the attacking players," Alonso said. "He’s been very dynamic, competitive. I’m very happy for him and today he deserves a huge recognition for his performance."

Palmer also commended Estevao, who started his first Premier League match for Chelsea this season. The 19-year-old had been benched during the Carabao Cup loss to Liverpool on Wednesday. Alonso said Estevao responded well to the benching, showing he was prepared and deserving of more playing time.