Chelsea defeated Brighton 4-2 on Saturday, but it was more than just another Premier League victory—it was a Cole Palmer special. The Englishman, 22, put in a historic performance as the first Premier League player to score four goals in one half. His four-goal masterclass in finishing was seeing Chelsea entirely dominate play continues his stunning trajectory since joining from Manchester City back in 2023.
Let’s dive into Palmer’s historic display and how his stats are catching the attention of football fans worldwide.
Cole Palmer’s Incredible Rise
One of those well known players is Cole Palmer, on whose radar Chelsea turned their attention to very quickly. Palmer quickly quelled any concerns after his £40 million move to Chelsea. During his rookie season in England, he found the net 22 times in 33 Premier League appearances, and was duly handed a new contract keeping him at St Mary’s until 2033.
His success didn’t stop at club level. Palmer’s remarkable form earned him a spot in England’s squad for the European Championship, solidifying his place as one of the brightest young talents in English football. However, his latest performance against Brighton has set him apart, marking him as a true game-changer.
Palmer’s Dominance Against Brighton
Palmer’s performance against Brighton was one for the record books. The young forward scored four goals in the first half, a feat never accomplished before in Premier League history. But it wasn’t just the goals that made Palmer’s display so extraordinary—his efficiency and clinical nature in front of goal were something to behold.
Here’s a breakdown of his key stats from the match:
- Four goals from five shots: Palmer was incredibly efficient, converting four of his five shots, all of which were on target.
- Only 21 touches: Despite limited involvement in other areas of the pitch, Palmer maximized his touches with clinical precision.
- Three assists from Jadon Sancho: Former Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho had a big hand in Palmer’s success, setting up three of his goals.
Palmer’s goals came in a flurry, with all four coming within a remarkable 20-minute window. This makes his goal blitz the fifth-fastest in Premier League history for a player to net four goals.
Comparing Palmer to the Greats
Palmer’s stunning performance against Brighton is just the latest chapter in a growing legacy. Let’s look at how his achievements stack up against some of Chelsea’s greatest players and Premier League legends.
- 42 goal contributions since last season: Palmer now has 42 Premier League goal contributions (goals and assists) since the start of last season, tying him with Erling Haaland of Manchester City for the most in that period.
- Three Premier League hat tricks: Palmer has already bagged three Premier League hat tricks despite making only 39 appearances for Chelsea. He’s tied for the most Chelsea hat tricks in Premier League history alongside Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard.
- Multiple four-goal games: Palmer is now in elite company, joining Frank Lampard as the only players to score multiple four-goal games for Chelsea. His first came against Everton in April, making his four-goal feats all the more impressive.
Palmer Joins an Elite Group of Goal Scorers
Scoring four goals in a Premier League match is an exclusive accomplishment, and Palmer’s first-half heroics place him in rarefied air. He’s only the fourth Premier League player to score four goals in a single half, but he’s the first to do so in the first half.
Here are the other legendary players who have achieved similar feats, but in the second half:
- Jermain Defoe: Scored five for Tottenham vs. Wigan in November 2009.
- Sergio Agüero: Scored four for Manchester City vs. Leicester in February 2018.
- Sergio Agüero: Scored four for Manchester City vs. Newcastle in October 2015.
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Scored four for Manchester United vs. Nottingham Forest in February 1999.
Palmer’s name is now etched alongside these Premier League greats, and it’s clear that this is only the beginning for the Chelsea forward.
FAQs
Cole Palmer scored four goals in the first half against Brighton, becoming the first Premier League player to achieve this feat in the first half of a match.
Cole Palmer has scored 31 goals for Chelsea since joining the club, including six goals from six games this season.
Jadon Sancho provided three assists for Palmer during Chelsea’s 4-2 victory over Brighton.
Palmer’s three Premier League hat tricks place him alongside Chelsea legends like Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
Palmer’s four goals came within a 20-minute span, making it the fifth-fastest four-goal haul in Premier League history.
Conclusion: Palmer’s Star Continues to Rise
What this highlights is not only Palmer’s immense promise, but also his increasing importance at Chelsea; the England youth international has already equalled his goal and assists total from last season in 2018/19. His record with 31 goals and 19 assists in only 53 games since he joined has been truly stunning. But more than the stats, Palmer has performed when it counts — with his four-goal show against Brighton a standout performance on the journey to ensuring that he is not just one to watch… but one who will be watched by many in future.
As Chelsea continue their Premier League campaign, one thing is clear: with Palmer leading the attack, the future looks bright for the Blues. Football fans around the world will be keeping a close eye on what he does next—because if history is any indication, there’s much more to come.
