Axel Disasi has revealed he told Cole Palmer “he had to score” for him against Newcastle as a birthday gift.
The Blues registered a much needed three points with a 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge to close the gap on the European places.
Palmer was once again the standout performer as he scored and assisted in the same game for the fifth time this season.
The 21 year old now has 11 goals and eight assists in the Premier League following his summer move from Manchester City.
Disasi started the game and also celebrated his 26th birthday on the same day and explained he had asked Palmer to score a goal for him as a birthday gift.
The versatile forward duly obliged and found the back of the net with a smart finish in the second half which restored Chelsea’s lead.
Speaking to BBC Sport Disasi said: “For the game against Newcastle, I told him that he had to score for my birthday. That’s why I said thank you for the gift.”
Disasi and Palmer will likely be part of Mauricio Pochettino’s starting XI for tomorrow’s FA Cup quarter final against Leicester at Stamford Bridge as the Blues look to book their place in the semi final and a return to Wembley.
The FA Cup is realistically Chelsea’s best chance of securing European football next season with the Stamford Bridge outfit just three wins from Europa League football.
