Cole Palmer's talent is worthy of the highest Champions League stage, so it was fitting he was back to his brilliant best to push Chelsea closer to a return to Europe's elite tournament.

The stunning form that inspired the Blues early in the season, making them title dark horses at one point, deserted him as he went 18 games in all competitions without a goal, leaving them with a fight on their hands to reach the top five.

But when Chelsea and head coach Enzo Maresca needed him, Palmer was the inspiration behind their 3-1 win against newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The visitors, understandably, carried an air of lethargy following the emotional high of securing their 20th title in front of an ecstatic Anfield last weekend, but Chelsea still needed to take advantage and their lavishly gifted 22-year-old was the catalyst.

This was Palmer at his best, a hive of industry and creation that illustrated exactly why he is central to all of his side's hopes for success.

His dip in form has become a widespread topic of conversation, but he insists his own feelings and attitude have never changed – along with his refusal to study any social media opinions.

Palmer was involved in all three goals, with a run through the centre before sending a sweeping pass out to Pedro Neto to set up Enzo Fernandez's third-minute opener.

Palmer then produced a brilliant run to beat Kostas Tsimikas in the 56th minute, his low cross a source of such chaos in Liverpool's defence that captain Virgil van Dijk lashed his a clearance against team-mate Jarell Quansah and into his own net.

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He was unfortunate not to end his goal drought earlier than he did, when another superb incursion into the area ended with a shot from a tight angle that beat Liverpool keeper Alisson but hit the post.

Palmer's dry spell ended with almost the last kick of the game, a penalty in the sixth minute of added time, and dispatched with confidence to end that worrying sequence stretching back to a 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth on 14 January.

The wait for a goal was over after 1,162 minutes.