Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer deliver verdict on Cole Palmer's goal haul for Chelsea today
Today at 11:58 AM
Chelsea star Cole Palmer had a day to remember on Saturday as he broke a Premier League record in the win over Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues ace dragged his team to victory almost single-handedly with four goals in a 4-2 win against Fabian Hurzeler’s charges.
Chelsea trailed to Georginio Rutter’s seventh-minute goal, and Palmer warmed up with a disallowed effort and a strike against the woodwork before getting his first.
The England international equalised in the 21st minute, making no mistake from Nicolas Jackson’s square ball.
Seven minutes later, Chelsea won a penalty, and their ice-cold marksman coolly rolled the ball into the bottom-left corner from the spot.
Then, in the 31st minute, Palmer curled a sumptuous free kick into the top corner from 25 yards out, with Bart Verbruggen unable to keep it out.
Carlos Baleba then pulled Brighton to within a goal of Chelsea after Robert Sanchez’s error, but Palmer restored his side’s two goal lead in the 41st minute.
The 22-year-old smashed the ball past the keeper at his near post after a great Jadon Sancho through-ball.
Needless to say, Palmer was the talk of the town at half-time and beyond, with pundits falling over themselves to praise the Chelsea man.
Rio Ferdinand and Alan Shearer wowed by Cole Palmer heroics for Chelsea against Brighton
For instance, Rio Ferdinand took to X by praising Palmer’s quick hat-trick plus one and adding that “he is him”.
Meanwhile, Alan Shearer applauded Palmer’s hat-trick but posted a further update after the Blues man got his fourth.
Shearer also said on the Premier League website: “Four goals eh? Unbelievable, special player. Great character, nothing phases him. Incredible ability.”
Neither Chelsea nor Brighton were able to add to their goal tally in the second half, though Palmer only just missed with an effort – but the flag went up anyway.
What next for Chelsea?
Chelsea are next in action on Thursday night when they host Gent in the Europa Conference League in a 8pm BST kick-off.
Enzo Maresca’s charges then return to Premier League action on Sunday 6 October when they host Nottingham Forest in a 2pm BST kick-off.
