All but one member of Manchester City’s starting lineup extended a handshake to Cole Palmer just before their match against Chelsea kicked off, though the occurrence was entirely unintentional.
Palmer was returning to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since his transfer to Chelsea for £42.5 million last summer. While he struggled to secure regular playing time under Pep Guardiola, the attacking midfielder has thrived as a pivotal figure in Chelsea’s squad this season.
With 16 goal contributions already in the Premier League, including 10 goals in just 20 appearances, the 21-year-old aimed to bolster those stats against his former club, potentially hindering City’s bid for a third consecutive Premier League title.
Before the match, Palmer’s former teammates lined up to shake hands with the English midfielder as they awaited the start in the tunnel. Rodri initiated the gesture, with the rest of City’s starting lineup following suit.
However, Palmer only turned around to face the direction of the City players’ pathway after the first player had already passed through the tunnel. Consequently, goalkeeper Ederson unintentionally missed the handshake, as his focus remained straight ahead, unaware of Palmer’s presence.
There exists no animosity between the pair, who maintained a close relationship before Palmer’s departure to Stamford Bridge on deadline day. Following City’s triumph in the UEFA Super Cup in August, the Brazilian goalkeeper was observed instructing Palmer on the proper way to lift the trophy, reflecting their camaraderie.
Yet, they now aim to outperform each other at the Etihad Stadium, with Chelsea eager to build on their 3-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Monday, while City strives to keep pace with Liverpool following the latter’s 4-1 triumph over Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
