Chelsea loanee scored just his third goal since 2018 in victory last night
Chelsea loanee Emerson Palmieri made a rare appearance on the scoresheet last night while running the channels for Lyon.
The defender grabbed only his third goal of any kind for three years during OL’s 3-1 Ligue 1 triumph over Troyes.
His only previous strikes came last season and in 2018.
This latest effort probably tasted the sweetest, simply because it affirmed the Italian’s status in Lyon’s camp.
Cast aside at Chelsea, Emerson’s loan move to France was a chance to reclaim a sense of belonging.
He certainly achieved that last night, putting his team in front after former Liverpool forward Xherdan Shaqiri had equalised.
As the Groupama Stadium erupted in celebration, everything seemingly fell into place for the full-back.
A fifth consecutive league start – a first since 2017 – added to Emerson’s euphoria.
But how long can this elation realistically last?
Moments of such joy for the 27-year-old have been far too infrequent of late.
Jetting off with the Italian national squad seemed to provide the most ecstasy in the summer, despite Emerson winning the Champions League. A European Championship winner’s medal arguably trumps its domestic equivalent.
Although Emerson will have been on cloud nine after Euro 2020, reality forced him to plant his feet on the ground again.
Could he risk another half-empty campaign at Chelsea and potential career suicide?
The answer, in the end, was simple.
Lyon landed the Brazilian-born left-back last month; a decision that has worked for all parties involved.
But will a return to Stamford Bridge be on the cards? We await the next episode of his career with bated breath.
