Cole Palmer might have played a key role in Bournemouth’s penalty miss

Chelsea secured their second Premier League win of the season against Bournemouth and might have Cole Palmer to thank despite him not scoring.

Palmer withdrew from the England squad during the international break to focus on an ‘ongoing issue’ at Chelsea but was deemed fit enough to start against the Cherries.

Enzo Maresca’s side dominated possession at the Vitality Stadium but it was Bournemouth who had the better chances, hitting the woodwork twice through Marcus Tavernier and Ryan Christie.

Christopher Nkunku netted a late goal to snatch three points which added insult to injury for the hosts after new signing Evanilson missed a poor first-half penalty.

Despite an unusually quiet performance by his high standards, fans believe Palmer might have played a huge role in Bournemouth’s record-signing’s penalty miss.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez conceded the penalty after downing Evanilson and footage shows Palmer potentially attempting to get in the head of the Brazilian before he stepped up from 12 yards.

The former Man City man was seen constantly trying to talk to the £40m man before being pushed away by members of the Bournemouth squad just minutes before Sanchez saved the spot-kick.

Fans have heaped praise on Palmer for his ‘mind games’ that might have contributed to the miss and helped Chelsea climb up the table.

One fan said: “This guy is a genius”

A second fan said: “Palmer man of the match for getting in Evanilson’s head before the penalty.”

A third said: “Palmer needs credit as he got into the penalty taker’s head.”

“Palmer man of the match for getting in Evanilson’s head before the penalty,” a fourth added.

Finally, a fifth fan said: “Palmer getting into his head before the pen. Great to see!”

Robert Sanchez saved Evanilson’s penalty (Getty)

Palmer’s antics did not go unnoticed by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp who questioned how much Evanilson would have understood what Palmer was saying.

He said on Sky Sports: “The Bournemouth players were having a chat, Palmer is trying to get into peoples’ heads, ‘are you going to take it?’

“Having a little discussion about it, trying to get into his head, all part of the psychology of football.

“Interesting to see how good his [Evanilson’s] English is. He hasn’t been here that long, he probably doesn’t understand Palmer. He got the gist of it I’m sure.”