Teammates told Haaland to drop the ball to score
In the 63rd minute of the match at Karaiskakis, Rodri hung the ball to the far post towards the position of Haaland and Palmer. The Norwegian striker prepared to go to war but suddenly stopped, allowing Palmer to head high and head diagonally in an empty position and equalize the score 1-1 for Man City.
After the game, Palmer revealed that he shouted loudly for Haaland to drop the ball in this situation. "I thought I said my name," said the 21-year-old midfielder. "Haaland was about to head, but stopped and I just finished."
This match, due to Kevin De Bruyne's injury, Bernardo Silva's illness, Riyad Mahrez went to Al Ahli of Saudi Pro League, Palmer started. The talent matured from Man City's academy combined with fellow countrymen Phil Foden and Jack Grealish to form a trio behind Haaland.
Palmer touched the ball 72 times, accurately passed 84% with two key passes, successfully dribbled four times, crossed twice, shot on target three times and scored one goal. The English midfielder made way for Julian Alvarez in the 85th minute, but was still voted player of the year. In the penalty shootout then Man City won 5-4.
Meanwhile, Haaland continued to lackluster with only 15 touches of the ball, no decisive pass, successful dribbling and only one shot off target over 90 minutes. The Norwegian striker was criticized when he was almost "missing" in the English Super Cup match against Arsenal.
Palmer joined City's youth team in 2010 and was promoted to the first team in 2020, scoring six goals in 41 games. The player born in 2002 is the mainstay of the England U21 team that just won the U21 Euro 2023 - where they beat Spain 1-0 in the final.
On August 6, Palmer also scored in the English Super Cup match against Arsenal, but after coming on as a substitute. In the 77th minute, from De Bruyne's assist, Palmer cut the left foot to the far corner out of the reach of Aaron Ramsdale. But then, Arsenal equalized thanks to Leandro Trossard and then won 4-1 in the penalty shootout.
"Palmer is extraordinary", captain Kyle Walker - one of the Man City players successfully completed the 11m kick in the European Super Cup match - praised his juniors. Jack Grealish praised Palmer for making good use of the opportunity every time he entered the field. "It's something you have to do when you're young," said the 27-year-old. "I went through the same thing at Aston Villa. You have to show when you get the chance."
But Palmer's future at the Etihad Stadium is unclear, when he was offered a loan by West Ham. However, after winning the European Super Cup, coach Pep Guardiola rejected this possibility, confirming that the student would stay or leave under a semi-permanent contract.
Palmer and his teammates have two days off before receiving Newcastle in the second round of the Premier League on August 19.
