Chelsea star Cole Palmer predicted his four-goal display against Brighton & Hove Albion before the season started in a recently resurfaced video shoot. The England international scored four times in the first half of his side's game against the Seagulls on Saturday, September 28.
Palmer enjoyed a sensational debut season (2023-24) at Stamford Bridge, leading the Premier League in goal contributions (33) as his side finished sixth. The Blues spent £42.5 million to land him from Manchester City, a fee that quickly turned out to be a bargain.
Cole Palmer didn't partake in pre-season with the Blues, having reached the final of Euro 2024 with the England national team. Just before the season commenced, the club had its traditional video shoot for the players.
Palmer was asked by the videographer to put up three fingers for when he scores a hat-trick. In his usual laid-back style, the forward asked to put up four fingers for when he scores four goals for the side.
"Do you want four (fingers)?"
Cole Palmer scored four times for the side in their 6-0 thumping of Everton at Stamford Bridge last season and has now scored three hat-tricks for the club. He helped his side claim a 4-2 lead after the first period in front of their fans against the Seagulls on Saturday.
Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton went ahead through France international Georginio Rutter after seven minutes. Palmer leveled matters for Chelsea 14 minutes later. He added a second from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before completing his hat-trick three minutes later with a sumptuous free-kick.
Brighton pulled another back through Carlos Baleba in the 34th minute. Palmer then drove home a fine effort past goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen at his near post in the 41st minute.
Cole Palmer makes Premier League history in Chelsea-Brighton clash
Chelsea star Cole Palmer added his name to the Premier League record books with a virtuoso performance at Stamford Bridge against Brighton. The 22-year-old became the first player in the league's history to score four times in the first half of a game.
The reigning PFA and Premier League Young Player of the Season, Palmer needed only 41 minutes in the first period to complete his haul. He did so in a period of 20 minutes as his first goal came in the 21st minute, and his fourth came after 41 minutes.
Palmer has now contributed six goals and four assists in his first five league games for Enzo Maresca's side this season. Having signed a contract extension until 2033 this season, the forward has continued to prove his worth to Chelsea.