The 24-year-old agreed an extension on Saturday before starting Chelsea’s first match since the international break. Palmer supplied the assist for Jordan Henderson’s second-minute opener, with Morgan Rogers doubling the lead almost immediately.
João Pedro scored twice after half-time, while Henderson added his second to complete a convincing afternoon for Xabi Alonso’s side.
Palmer was pleased with the performance and the return of several key players after the international break.
“It was a great win against a good side. We knew it’d be difficult, but we played well,” he said.
“It was a good day, especially having key players back. Having nearly the whole squad back, it was good, and I feel like this was a good start to the next games that we have.”
The midfielder also played a part in Henderson’s spectacular second goal, which came from a rehearsed free-kick routine. Palmer explained that the pair had worked on the move during training and had even discussed where they would celebrate if it came off.
“We’ve just been working on it in training and when it came to it, we were thinking about what to do,” Palmer said.
“But I just said to him: ‘We’ve worked on it’. He’s done it well in training, so before his shot, I said: ‘Which corner flag are we running to when you put it in the top corner?’
“And then we chose a corner flag, then he put it in the top corner, then we ran there. So it was funny. It was a good goal and a good day.”
The contract extension keeps Palmer at Stamford Bridge until 2034 and reinforces his importance to Chelsea’s long-term plans. Since arriving from Manchester City in 2023, he has become one of the club’s leading attacking players, contributing goals, assists and creativity across the forward line.
Palmer made clear that he appreciates the trust shown in him and intends to justify it through his performances.
“It feels nice. Just thank you to the club for trusting me and I’ve got to keep repaying them,” he said.
“I just work hard and try to give my best, that’s all. I feel back to how I was and it’s only early in the season, so just keep going.”
He also acknowledged that Alonso is still implementing his ideas, with the squad beginning to adapt to the new manager’s approach.
“It’s still early with the manager and he’s still trying to get his ideas across, but we’re starting to adapt and especially this week we’ve been working on ideas and stuff like that, so it’s been good,” Palmer said.
After an injury-disrupted period, Palmer believes he is returning to his best level. Chelsea will hope his fitness, creativity and understanding with his team-mates can help turn the Bournemouth result into the start of a sustained run of form.