London: Chelsea scored twice from deep to complete a hat-trick with a 4-3 win over Manchester United on Thursday, all but ending their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Erik van Hoag’s men looked set for a crucial victory after taking a 3-2 lead in a breathless match that saw them score 47 points.
But boyhood United fan Palmer equalized from the penalty spot in the 100th minute to seal the winner’s chance at Stamford Bridge.
United still led at 99 minutes 17 seconds, the last Premier League team to lead in a losing game.
The bitter defeat leaves sixth-placed United 11 points off fourth-placed Aston Villa with just eight games remaining and facing another season outside Europe’s elite club competition.
But Mauricio Pochettino’s side are 10th in the table and the hunt for a European place after the season.
Pochettino said his team had started well but the admission had an “emotional effect on the team”.
The Argentine praised Palmer, 21, who has been a key player at the club since joining in September in his first season at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s impressive,” he told the BBC. “He did a great job. It’s hard to say more about him. He showed his mentality and quality today.
Chelsea are unbeaten in 12 Premier League meetings with Manchester United but captain Conor Gallagher took the lead in the fourth minute.
Palmer headed home his first free-kick in the 19th minute after Antoni brought down Mark Cucurella in an open area for the visitors.
But United were given a lifeline in the 34th minute when Moises Caicedo’s cross was met by Alejandro Garnacho and coolly slotted home.
A tense second period was a tight end to the game, but Garnacho headed home Antony’s left-footed cross to give United the lead in the 67th minute.
The visitors scored three points, but the officials said there would be eight minutes of added time.
Dalot was given a lifeline for Chelsea and Noni Madueke lunged in and referee Jarred Gillett’s decision to award concussion was upheld after a lengthy VAR review.
But the drama doesn’t stop there.
United were caught by a quick corner from Enzo Fernandez, who played it short for Palmer
The Chelsea men fired home through a desperate Andre Onana as United broke free from Scott McTominay to seal the win and send the Stamford Bridge crowd wild.
“With eight minutes to go, it’s crazy for us to go up,” Palmer told TNT Sports.
The former Manchester City player has scored 19 goals for Chelsea since switching clubs on September 1.
“We have to try to win as many games as possible”.
Bitter defeats are mounting at United in the Ten Hag’s second season in charge, and new owner Jim Ratcliffe has yet to decide whether to stick around or bow out.
Their only hope for silverware is in the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry later this month for the right to face City or Chelsea in the final at Wembley.
