Chelsea’s rising star, Cole Palmer, has made Premier League history by becoming the first player in the league’s 32-year history to score four goals in the first half of a match. His impressive performance came during Chelsea’s 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. Palmer’s goal-scoring spree occurred within just 20 minutes, featuring a penalty and a stunning free kick.
Palmer’s goals, scored in the 21st, 28th, 31st, and 41st minutes, set a new Premier League record for the fastest four goals in the first half of a game. According to Opta, no other player has ever achieved such a feat in the league. Despite his incredible performance, Palmer believes he could have scored even more: “I should have had five or six,” Palmer said after the match.
This isn’t the first time Palmer has made headlines for his goal-scoring prowess. Last season, he netted four goals in Chelsea’s 6-0 win against Everton. His consistency on the field has placed him alongside Chelsea greats such as Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, each having scored at least three goals in a Premier League match for the club.
Palmer’s performance under Chelsea’s new manager, Enzo Maresca, highlights his growth since joining from Manchester City in 2023. Maresca, who coached Palmer in City’s Under-23 squad, has praised the young player’s ambition and humility. “Cole scores goals and never changes. He’s a top player and a humble guy,” Maresca said. Palmer’s tally of 22 goals last season was second only to Erling Haaland’s 27 for Manchester City.
Brighton’s manager, Fabian Hurzeler, acknowledged the difficulty in defending against Palmer, describing him as the toughest player his team has faced this season. “He punished every mistake we made,” Hurzeler admitted after the match.
Palmer’s extraordinary performance has positioned him as one of the best players in the Premier League, and his record-breaking four-goal haul has solidified his place in football history. With six goals already this season, Cole Palmer is a player to watch as he continues to shine in the Premier League.
