Cole Palmer makes history with four goals before half-time as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-2. Blues move into third in Premier League table.
Chelsea’s sensational summer signing Cole Palmer etched his name into the Premier League history books on Saturday afternoon, becoming the first player to score four goals before half-time in a single game.
Palmer’s incredible exploits propelled Chelsea to a thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues moving into third position in the Premier League table.
The capital giants have now recorded four wins from their opening six league matches, boasting 13 points and trailing leaders Manchester City by just one point.
Brighton, meanwhile, suffered their first defeat of the campaign in spectacular circumstances, dropping into eighth spot with nine points from six matches.
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The match got off to a blistering start, with Georginio Rutter silencing Stamford Bridge with a seventh-minute header, capitalizing on poor Chelsea defending.
However, Palmer’s brilliance soon took center stage, with the 21-year-old equalizing in the 21st minute courtesy of Nicolas Jackson‘s clever assist.
Palmer then scored twice more in quick succession, converting from the penalty spot after Jadon Sancho was fouled and firing an exquisite free kick into the top corner.
Brighton briefly reduced the deficit through Carlos Baleba‘s 34th-minute strike, exploiting Robert Sanchez‘s goalkeeping error.
Undeterred, Palmer sealed his historic four-goal haul in the latter stages of the first period, profiting from Brighton stopper Bart Verbruggen‘s mistake.
The second half failed to match the first period’s intensity, with Brighton unable to mount a comeback.
Chelsea’s victory marked their fourth consecutive win in all competitions, and they will aim to extend this streak against Gent in the Conference League on Thursday night.
Enzo Maresca‘s side have now scored 15 goals in six league matches, making them the division’s top scorers.
Palmer’s phenomenal form has yielded six goals and four assists in eight appearances this season, cementing his status as one of the Premier League’s most exciting talents.
