The Chelsea midfielder was sent off in the 80th minute after receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on Conor Gallagher. The dismissal came three minutes after goalkeeper Mike Penders had put Tottenham ahead with an own goal, leaving the hosts with a difficult task as they tried to recover.
Mathys Tel added a second for Tottenham in the 87th minute, completing a significant away victory and handing Chelsea their third Premier League defeat of the season.
Palmer took to social media after the match to acknowledge his part in the setback. Sharing a picture of himself from the game, he wrote: “Not good enough by me. Need to live n learn.
“Apologies. Onto the next.”
The dismissal was a landmark moment for the 24-year-old, who had not previously been sent off during his professional career. It also compounded a frustrating afternoon for Chelsea, who had been unable to turn the contest in their favour before Palmer’s departure.
Tottenham’s opener arrived in the 77th minute when Penders punched the ball into his own net. Palmer was dismissed shortly afterwards, and the numerical advantage helped the visitors manage the closing stages before Tel produced a fine individual finish to secure the points.
The result gave Tottenham a rare victory at Stamford Bridge and increased the pressure on Chelsea to respond in their next league fixture. Palmer’s apology acknowledged his own responsibility, while the team must also address the errors that allowed the game to slip away.
Chelsea had been unable to find an equaliser after falling behind, and Palmer’s sending-off made the prospect of a late comeback considerably harder. His absence also left the side short of one of their most influential attacking players for the final stages.
The midfielder’s message was brief, but accepted that his actions had not met the required standard. With the season still developing, Chelsea will need to move on quickly from the defeat and prepare for their next challenge.