Cole Palmer FC might be unstoppable if they continue at this pace. While it’s unfair to suggest this is a one-man team given Enzo Maresca’s squad, another outstanding performance from the England forward saw him become the first player in Premier League history to score four times before halftime, securing four consecutive wins for Chelsea. Palmer was the star of the show after his hat-trick within just 10 minutes sparked a remarkable comeback, with Chelsea initially trailing due to Georginio Rutter’s early goal following Robert Sánchez’s error against his former club. The Chelsea goalkeeper was fortunate that another mistake allowing Carlos Baleba to score didn’t lead to more damage, as Palmer ensured the victory with another superb finish before halftime.
However, Fabian Hürzeler was frustrated that his side wasn’t awarded a penalty at the start of the second half, and their high defensive line strategy backfired spectacularly as Chelsea enjoyed their day in the sun and moved into the top four. Perhaps Maresca has discovered a method amidst the chaos? Given their recent history, Brighton’s fans were clearly eager for this fixture. Their booing of the three former players in Chelsea’s starting lineup began with the first whistle, and it wasn’t long before one of them gave them something to cheer about.
Sánchez had been due a mistake after a solid start to the season, although he wasn’t entirely at fault after Levi Colwill’s botched clearance in the seventh minute. The Chelsea goalkeeper sensed danger but was left helpless as Rutter headed into an empty net. “There’s only one Robert Sánchez,” sang the delighted away end. Chelsea looked stunned, and Sánchez had to be alert when Rutter’s cross was deflected on target soon after. But with Hürzeler insisting on not changing his risky defensive tactics despite Chelsea’s pace on the break, they were repeatedly exposed, and Palmer completed his hat-trick in record time.
Brighton didn’t learn their lesson, and a poor back pass from Adam Webster, who started for the first time this season due to illness ruling out Jan Paul van Hecke, was seized by Nicolas Jackson to set up Palmer. Jadon Sancho thought he had put Chelsea ahead soon after, only for Noni Madueke to be judged marginally offside. A desperate challenge from Baleba after Sancho’s brilliant one-two with Palmer allowed him to score his second from the spot. His third, a superb free-kick into the top corner that left Bart Verbruggen grasping at thin air, came after Pervis Estupiñán was fortunate not to be sent off for bringing down Jackson. “You’re not singing any more,” came the retort from Chelsea’s supporters.
Despite their dominance, Sánchez gave Brighton hope when he inexplicably gifted the ball to Baleba to pull one back before making a strong save to deny the Cameroonian midfielder’s shot from distance. Fortunately for him, Palmer restored their lead when he cut in from the left flank and beat Verbruggen at his near post, completing his remarkable achievement just months after scoring four against Everton, including a 16-minute hat-trick. It seemed neither manager had instructed his players to calm down as the second half began in a similarly frantic manner. Hürzeler was furious after referee Peter Banks turned down Brighton’s penalty appeal for a foul by Malo Gusto on Kaoru Mitoma. Webster partially redeemed himself by clearing Jackson’s shot off the line after more confusion in the Brighton defense, but it seemed inevitable that Chelsea would score again when Palmer volleyed just over from distance before firing wide when clean through.
Webster was finally relieved of his duties, and the afternoon nearly got worse for Brighton, but Marc Cucurella’s volley from a corner was ruled out for offside.
