PL: Cole Palmer shines with four first-half goals as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-2

Cole Palmer made Premier League history by becoming the first player to score four first-half goals, as Chelsea cruised past Brighton to secure third place in the table.

In a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge, the 22-year-old dazzled fans with his sensational performance, while Chelsea’s rapid attack capitalized on Brighton’s high defensive line.

Brighton, however, didn’t go down without a fight.

They netted twice early on, with both goals stemming from errors by Chelsea’s former Brighton goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.

Despite these mishaps, Georginio Rutter’s header put the visitors ahead, but Palmer quickly seized control of the game.

Palmer, who had already hit the post and seen a goal ruled out for offside, opened the scoring with a clinical finish from Nicolas Jackson’s pass.

Just 138 seconds later, Palmer doubled Chelsea’s lead with a penalty, following Jadon Sancho’s impressive run that earned the spot kick.

He completed a stunning 10-minute hat-trick with a 25-yard free-kick that sailed into the top corner.

Brighton briefly found hope when Carlos Baleba capitalized on a poor ball from Sanchez, but Palmer struck again, netting his fourth from a Sancho assist.

Chelsea, who had put six past Wolves in their previous game, continued their blistering form going forward, while Brighton’s refusal to adjust their defensive strategy seemed naïve under young manager Fabian Hurzeler.

Though the second half saw fewer chances, Palmer missed an opportunity to add a fifth goal, firing wide as Chelsea comfortably saw out the victory.