Cole Palmer breaks Premier League record with four first-half goals against Brighton

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Cole Palmer became the first Premier League player to score four goals before half-time to put Chelsea FC ahead in an entertaining game against Brighton.

The visitors had taken the lead at Stamford Bridge before Palmer scored first, equalizing 15 minutes after Georginio Rutter’s opener.

The England international scored a second penalty shortly afterwards before completing his hat-trick with a superb free-kick in just nine minutes and 48 seconds of play.

Carlos Baleba hit back for Brighton but there was still time in half-time for Palmer to score a fourth goal, converting a through ball from Jadon Sancho in a remarkable feat.

While players have previously scored second-half goals four times, Palmer’s performance was unique in the Premier League era.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a brilliant season in his first season in London last year after moving from Manchester City, leading the club back into European competition.

After scoring 22 goals last season, he scored two goals in Enzo Maresca’s first five league games as coach.

The half could have been even more productive – Palmer had a possible fifth goal ruled out for offside and also hit the woodwork in a chaotic 45 minutes.