Cole Palmer etched his name into the annals of English Premier League history on Saturday, September 28, 2024, becoming the first player to score four goals in the first half of a match. His remarkable feat propelled Chelsea to a 4-2 victory over Brighton, further solidifying the London club’s status as a title contender after investing heavily in the transfer market.
Palmer, a product of Chelsea’s youth academy, has emerged as a key figure for the Blues this season. His 22 league goals last season placed him second only to Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, and he has already netted six times in just six games this campaign. His impressive form has also earned him a regular spot in the England squad, where he scored the team’s lone goal in the 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final in July.
On Saturday, Palmer showcased his exceptional talent against Brighton. He opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a clinical finish, and added three more goals in quick succession before the half-time whistle. His goalscoring spree sent shockwaves through the Premier League, and left Brighton reeling.
Despite Palmer’s heroics, Chelsea’s victory was not without its challenges. Manchester City, the reigning champions, dropped points for the second consecutive weekend after drawing 1-1 at Newcastle. Erling Haaland, who has been in prolific form this season, was kept scoreless for the first time in the league, leaving him on 10 goals.
Arsenal took advantage of City’s slip-up by beating Leicester 4-2 thanks to two stoppage-time strikes from Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz. The Gunners joined City on 14 points at the top of the table.
Brentford became the first Premier League team to score inside the first minute in three straight games, but couldn’t hold on after Bryan Mbeumo’s opener and drew with West Ham 1-1. Everton gained its first win of the season by beating Crystal Palace 2-1, while Fulham won at Nottingham Forest 1-0, with Mexico striker Raul Jimenez scoring in a third straight game.
