Cole Palmer showcased his exceptional talent in Chelsea’s thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton, scoring all four of his team’s goals in the first half. This remarkable performance has drawn high praise from Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who believes Palmer is among the Premier League’s elite players.
“His four-goal tally is impressive, but he could have easily added more,” Maresca commented. “It’s crucial for him to maintain his hunger and ambition. I’ve known him since his days in Manchester City’s youth setup, and his character remains unchanged. Despite his achievements – goals, assists, and recognition as one of the Premier League’s top performers – he stays grounded.”
The match began with Brighton taking an early lead after a defensive lapse involving Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, Moises Caicedo, and Levi Colwill. However, Chelsea, led by Palmer, mounted an impressive comeback against a depleted Brighton defense.
Palmer’s first goal came from a Nicolas Jackson assist. He then converted a penalty after Jadon Sancho was fouled, maintaining his perfect record from the spot. His hat-trick was completed with a precise 25-yard free-kick, seemingly putting Chelsea in a commanding position.
Despite another error from Sanchez that allowed Brighton back into the game, Palmer’s extraordinary first-half performance ultimately secured the win for Chelsea in this high-scoring encounter.