Cole Palmer made history as the first player to score four first-half goals in a Premier League match, leading Chelsea to a dominant victory over Brighton and moving them up to third in the table.
In a thrilling encounter at a sun-kissed Stamford Bridge, Palmer, 22, also hit the post and had another goal disallowed before halftime, capitalizing on Brighton’s risky high defensive line.
The match started with Brighton scoring twice early on, both benefiting from mistakes by Chelsea’s former Brighton goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.
After Georginio Rutter headed the visitors ahead, Palmer seized control with an outstanding individual performance.
Palmer opened the scoring following a pass from Nicolas Jackson, just moments after hitting the post and having a goal ruled out for offside—all within a frenetic 138 seconds.
He then converted his 10th consecutive successful penalty for Chelsea after Jadon Sancho was fouled, before completing a 10-minute hat-trick with a stunning 25-yard free kick that found the top corner.
His fourth goal followed shortly after, finishing a Sancho pass, just after Carlos Baleba had capitalized on another error from Sanchez to give Brighton a glimmer of hope.
Chelsea, who previously scored six goals against Wolves last month, showcased their attacking prowess once again.
Brighton’s continued commitment to their high defensive line, despite the barrage of chances, was puzzling and seemed naive, as young manager Fabian Hurzeler faced his first defeat.
The second half was far less eventful, although Palmer did squander a chance for a fifth goal when he shot wide.
