Cole Palmer claimed that Chelsea’s youth presented unique challenges for the Blues as they attempted to place among the top four teams in the Premier League.

The average age of Chelsea’s starting lineup in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Newcastle was only 23 years and 89 days, but there were few indications of inexperience as Enzo Maresca’s team won, closing the gap on fourth-place Aston Villa by only two points.

Palmer, who is 22 years old, scored the game-winning goal in the second half, marking his 19th goal at Stamford Bridge in 15 league outings.

“I feel like we’ve got to show personality because we’re so young,” said Palmer. “The manager said at half-time we needed to fight for the game because (Newcastle) are a physical team. To get three points felt big.

“We knew towards the end it would be a tough game, they’re a big team so we knew it was going to be hard. To get a lead (in the second half) was important.”

Additionally, Palmer was instrumental in Nicolas Jackson’s first goal in the eighteenth minute. He scooped a fantastic ball from deep in his own half, which Pedro Neto took on and crossed for the Senegal international to score his sixth goal of the year.

“When I got on the angle I had a quick look to my left and I’ve seen him (so) I thought I’d try it,” said Palmer. “Before getting the ball I try to know what I’m going to do.”

Blues manager Maresca later likened Palmer to former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola, who was present at Stamford Bridge. The England midfielder’s run at Newcastle and powerful shot that went inside Nick Pope’s near post from the edge of the box had echoes of the Italian’s best play.

But a modest Palmer said: “I’m just trying to enjoy my football and not put too much pressure on myself to score or assist.”