Cole Palmer made history by becoming the first Premier League player to score four goals in the first half of a match as Chelsea triumphed over Brighton & Hove Albion in a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge. The win marks Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last five league matches, signaling a positive start under manager Enzo Maresca.
Palmer showcased his talent with a remarkable display, scoring his first goal in the 19th minute after collecting a through ball from Enzo Fernandez, despite Brighton having initially taken the lead in the match. Just a minute later, a goal was ruled out for offside, but soon after, Palmer capitalized on a pass from Nicolas Jackson to net his second goal.
Palmer continued to dominate, converting a penalty after a foul on Jadon Sancho and then scoring from a free kick from 25 yards. He capped off his scoring spree with another goal after receiving a precise pass from Sancho, leaving even Brighton fans in awe of his performance. Despite missing additional chances in the second half, Palmer’s impressive tally of 10 goal involvements in his first six Premier League appearances this season solidifies his role as Chelsea’s key player.
While Chelsea’s offensive display was exciting, there are concerns about their ability to control games effectively, especially against a Brighton side that pressed aggressively. The match was characterized by open play, with Chelsea overcoming Brighton’s tactics to find themselves in scoring positions on multiple occasions.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez faced scrutiny after a couple of costly errors, which added to the pressure on him amidst growing competition for the starting spot. Despite these mistakes, Sanchez has the confidence of Maresca, although his consistency remains a concern.
Looking ahead, Chelsea will play Gent in the UEFA Conference League on October 3 and face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on October 6.