Maresca sees Zola's quality, vision in Palmer

LONDON - Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer brushed off comparisons with Gianfranco Zola after his latest goal and standout performance in a 2-1 win over Newcastle United on Oct 27, saying he knew of the former Blues and Italy great only via a video game.

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"I know he is an icon on Fifa so he must have been good," the 22-year-old told Sky Sports.

"To be honest I didn't really watch him play. Everyone says he was a great player, so thank you."

Palmer scored the winner for Chelsea against Newcastle in the 47th minute, picking the ball up in midfield and racing to the edge of the box before smashing a low shot past Nick Pope for his seventh goal in nine league games this season.

His role in the opening goal was just as impressive, collecting the ball while facing his own goal, turning and sending a defence-splitting pass in one movement that set up Pedro Neto to provide a cross for Nicolas Jackson to score. Newcastle's goal came via Alexander Isak.