Chelsea 4-2 Brighton: Palmer scores four as Blues thrash Seagulls in Premier League classic
Cole Palmer (22) made history in the Premier League by becoming the first player to score four first-half goals in a single match, leading Chelsea to victory in an exhilarating encounter that marked Brighton & Hove Albion's first league defeat of the season.
The first half was marked by chaos, beginning with a defensive error from Chelsea. Former Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez attempted to claim a high ball but was outmaneuvered by Georginio Rutter, who headed it into an unguarded net.
Palmer was instrumental for Chelsea, striking the post and having a potential goal ruled offside before he capitalized on an error by Adam Webster to score his first goal of the season at Stamford Bridge.
Brighton's high defensive line allowed Chelsea to create numerous opportunities. After Jadon Sancho's attempt at his first goal for Chelsea was thwarted by an offside call, the Blues were awarded a penalty. Sancho was fouled by Carlos Baleba, enabling Palmer to convert his 10th Premier League penalty for Chelsea.
Just ten minutes after his initial goal, Palmer completed his hat-trick with a stunning long-range free-kick.
The frenetic first half continued as Brighton took advantage of another mistake from Sanchez, with Baleba intercepting a careless pass and scoring to reduce the deficit.
Sanchez redeemed himself by denying Baleba on two occasions, while at the other end, Noni Madueke nearly added a fourth goal for Chelsea.
Fortunately for Enzo Maresca, the Blues quickly regained their two-goal advantage when Palmer capitalized on yet another defensive error.z
Chelsea, despite holding only 36% possession in the first half, maintained their momentum after the break, persistently challenging Brighton's defense. Nicolas Jackson skillfully maneuvered around Bart Verbruggen, yet his attempt was thwarted by Webster, who cleared the ball off the line.
The home side relentlessly targeted the Seagulls' goal, with Palmer nearly scoring a fifth goal within the hour; his dipping volley went just over the bar, and another shot narrowly missed the target.
Following a brief lull in action, Jackson once again came close to scoring but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Marc Cucurella, a former Brighton player, believed he had scored from a corner in what would be his final contribution of the match, only to be denied by an offside call.
The second half largely revolved around Jackson, who struggled to convert several chances. Fortunately for Maresca's team, this did not affect the outcome, as they managed to navigate a significantly quieter second half.
With this victory, Chelsea ascends to third place in the early Premier League standings, trailing leaders Manchester City by just one point.
Brighton, on the other hand, sees their unbeaten streak come to an end, placing them eighth, having secured only two wins in their last 16 Premier League away fixtures.
READ ALSO: West Ham 0-3 Chelsea: Jackson and Palmer on target as impressive Blues thrash woeful Hammers
SportsLigue