Cole Palmer Makes EPL History with Four Goals in First Half

Cole Palmer made history by becoming the first player ever to score four goals in the first half of a Premier League match during Chelsea’s remarkable 4-2 triumph over Brighton on Saturday. This incredible achievement prompted coach Enzo Maresca to go on record, labeling the young forward as the best player in the division.

At just 22 years old, Palmer scored four times in a remarkable and explosive 20-minute streak against the south coast side. This performance was particularly impressive as Chelsea had to rally from an initial setback after Georginio Rutter had opened the scoring for Brighton. The quick comeback was a testament to Chelsea’s resilience and tactical planning.

Palmer himself expressed a mix of pride and ambition, stating, “I should have had five or six goals.” He elaborated on his performance during an interview with the BBC, sharing his feelings after missing an early opportunity. “When I missed the first chance I was upset, but with the way they played and their high line, I felt we’d get more chances.” His awareness of the tactical dynamics of the game highlights his maturity as a player.

Discussing the game plan devised by Maresca, Palmer remarked, “The manager set up a good game plan; we knew how to attack them with first-time passes in behind. Three points are what we needed, and that is exactly what we got.” This reveals not only Palmer’s understanding of the game but also his appreciation for his coach’s strategy.

Maresca was effusive in his praise for Palmer, who, despite having scored four goals, he believed could have netted even more. “He scored four, but he also could have scored two or three more,” the coach reflected. He emphasized the necessity for Palmer to maintain his drive and ambition. Drawing on their shared history from when they both were involved with Manchester City’s under-23s, he noted, “What he was as a boy is exactly what he was three or four years ago. Goals, assists, best player of the Premier League — this doesn’t change the way he is.”

Maresca’s comments underline the importance of humility and a grounded nature in maintaining success in such a competitive sport. “He’s a humble guy, and for me, that’s the most important thing,” he added. “Cole scores goals and never changes, and this is the most important thing.” Such sentiments encapsulate the character of a player who is likely to be a significant asset to his team moving forward.

During the match, Palmer’s goals came in rapid succession at the 21st, 28th, 31st, and 41st minutes, effectively sealing Chelsea’s dominance in the first half. Following this offensive explosion, Chelsea managed the second half much more comfortably, securing their fourth league win of the season with relative ease.

Interestingly, this was not the first time Palmer had showcased his goal-scoring prowess. He had previously scored four goals in a single match for Chelsea last season during an impressive 6-0 victory against Everton in April. Furthermore, his performance against Brighton marked him as the fourth player in Chelsea’s history to score three Premier League hat tricks, joining the ranks of club legends Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

Notably, the match against Brighton was only Palmer’s 39th league appearance for Chelsea since his arrival from Manchester City in 2023. His rapid rise in performance and influence on the pitch highlights not only his talent but also the exciting potential he holds for both club and country in the years to come. As Palmer continues to develop, fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep a watchful eye on his journey, eager to see how this young talent evolves within the Premier League landscape.