Cole Palmer Shines As Chelsea Defeats Brighton

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer made Premier League history by becoming the first player to score four first-half goals in a single match.

This spectacular performance marked a high point for Palmer and also helped Chelsea secure a 5-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion, handing the Seagulls their first league defeat of the season.

An entertaining first half

The match kicked off with drama almost immediately.

Chelsea found themselves in an unexpected predicament as Brighton’s Georginio Rutter took advantage of a communication error between Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez, and his defenders. Rutter capitalized on Sanchez’s mistimed attempt to claim a looping ball, heading it into an empty net to give Brighton an early lead.

However, the Chelsea response was swift and impactful. Cole Palmer, who emerged as the standout performer, was heavily involved in the first half.

He came close to scoring early on, hitting the post and having a goal disallowed for offside. It wasn’t long before Palmer redeemed himself, racing onto a defensive error from Adam Webster to score his first goal of the match and level the score

Brighton’s high defensive line, intended to create pressing opportunities, proved to be their downfall. Chelsea exploited this flaw brilliantly, setting the stage for Palmer to shine.

After Jadon Sancho was fouled by Carlos Baleba, Chelsea was awarded a penalty. Palmer stepped up confidently to convert it, marking his tenth Premier League penalty goal for the club and putting Chelsea ahead 2-1.

Just ten minutes later, Palmer was at it again. From a long-range free-kick, he unleashed a powerful shot that left the Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen helpless, completing his hat-trick in style.

It seemed like Chelsea would run away with the game, but Brighton wasn’t ready to concede just yet.

The Seagulls cut the deficit again after another mistake from Sanchez, with Baleba intercepting a loose pass and slotting it inside the near post to make it 3-2.

As the relentless action continued, Chelsea found themselves on the front foot again. Palmer netted his fourth goal following a defensive lapse by Brighton, showing his poaching instincts and completing an incredible first-half performance that would go down in Premier League lore.

Second Half 

The second half began much like the first intense and action-packed.

Chelsea continued to press for more goals despite only having 36% possession in the first half. Nicolas Jackson rounded Verbruggen with skill and precision, only to see his shot heroically cleared off the line by Webster, demonstrating Brighton’s desire to stay in the game.

Palmer was relentless, almost netting his fifth goal with a dipping volley that flew over the crossbar and later narrowly missing another effort. Chelsea looked determined to extend their lead and maintain their domination over Brighton.

Despite several near misses from Jackson and a disallowed goal by former Brighton player Marc Cucurella, Chelsea’s defense managed to hold firm during a quieter second half. The Blues had created numerous opportunities but displayed a more controlled approach to preserve their lead.

Flying Chelsea

With this victory, Chelsea climbed to third place in the Premier League, sitting just a point behind the leaders, Manchester City.

Palmer, having now firmly established himself as a crucial asset for Chelsea, has converted from a potential to a key player for the team.

Brighton’s First Defeat

For Brighton, this match marked a sobering end to their unbeaten start to the season, leaving them in eighth place with only two wins from their last 16 Premier League away matches