Cole Palmer etched his name into Premier League history as Chelsea cruised to a 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old became the first player to score four goals in the opening half of a Premier League match, showcasing a breathtaking display of skill and composure, CNN reports.
Palmer’s scoring spree began in the 21st minute when he equalized after Brighton’s early lead. He then converted a penalty and a stunning free-kick within the next ten minutes to complete his hat-trick. His fourth goal arrived shortly before half-time, a clinical first-time finish from Jadon Sancho’s pass.
While four other players have scored four goals in a single half of a Premier League match, Palmer’s achievement is unique as he achieved it within the first 45 minutes.
“I didn’t know about (the record), the lads just told me then,” Palmer said after the match. “I’m really happy about it. When I missed the chance in the second half, I was fuming because it was early in the second half, I think it was the 55th, 56th minute, so I should have scored that.”
Palmer’s exceptional performance overshadowed Brighton’s early lead, scored by Georginio Rutter, who capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive lapse. However, the visitors’ hopes of extending their unbeaten Premier League run were quickly extinguished by Palmer’s brilliance.
The England international added another feather to his cap by nearing another record for the most penalties scored in the Premier League without a miss. With 10 successful penalties, he sits just one behind Yaya Touré’s mark.
Chelsea’s victory was not without drama. Brighton pulled one goal back after another defensive lapse, making it 3-2. However, Palmer’s fourth goal ensured the Blues would head into half-time with a comfortable lead.
While Chelsea could have extended their lead in the second half, Palmer’s near miss on a fifth goal did little to diminish his historic performance. The Blues have now won their last four games across all competitions and moved into fourth place in the league table, one point behind Manchester City and Arsenal, and two behind Liverpool.
