Cole Palmer was voted Premier League Player of the Matchweek for the 2026–27 opening weekend.
Palmer received the award after Chelsea defeated Fulham 3–2 in the west London derby at Craven Cottage. He assisted João Pedro for Chelsea’s early goal and then scored the goal that proved decisive at the start of the second half.
The award was decided through a fan poll. Palmer collected 40 percent of the vote, while Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard finished second with 22 percent. Other nominees included Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki, Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood and Leeds United’s Anton Stach.
This recognition was separate from the official Man of the Match award for an individual game. It covered the entire first matchweek, so it rewarded Palmer’s performance in Chelsea’s opening fixture rather than a match from the Friday or Saturday schedule.