Cole Palmer's phenomenal four-goal first half frenzy floors Brighton

• England striker Palmer became the first Premier League player to score four goals in the first half of a game
• Palmer has 43 goal or assist contributions since last season, surpassing Erling Haaland
• Palmer's free-kick goal from 25 yards out sealed his hat-trick in style

While some players are busy rewriting history, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is crafting his own right before our eyes. 

Having entered the 2024-25 season already boasting two goals and four assists in just five matches, the 22-year-old star didn't stop there. 

As Chelsea faced off against Brighton, Palmer raised his game to even greater heights, displaying an electrifying performance at Stamford Bridge.

Palmer etched his name into Premier League history by netting an incredible four goals in the first 45 minutes becoming the first player ever to achieve such a feat in a single half. Chelsea had initially found themselves trailing 1-0, but Palmer’s brilliance soon turned the tide. 

His first goal arrived in the 21st minute, thanks to a well-placed pass from Nicolas Jackson, which Palmer calmly slotted home.

Not long after, the England international doubled his tally from the penalty spot, making it his 10th consecutive successful spot-kick since joining Chelsea last summer. 

His big moment came with his hat-trick, a dazzling free-kick from 25 yards out that left Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen rooted to the spot. The Stamford Bridge crowd roared with delight as the ball curled perfectly into the top corner.

Palmer wasn’t finished, though. His fourth goal came courtesy of Jadon Sancho, who threaded a precise through-ball, allowing Palmer to drive home from 10 yards. 

In a remarkable 20-minute burst, Palmer completed his four-goal display, placing his place in the Premier League record books.

This marks Palmer’s third Premier League hat-trick in less than a year, equaling Chelsea legends Didier Drogba, Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, and Frank Lampard. 

Remarkably, Palmer has achieved this milestone in just 39 appearances for the club. His previous three-goal displays came against Manchester United and Everton in similarly breathtaking displays.

With 43 goal contributions since the start of last season, Palmer now has four more than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland making an impressive statement about his rapid rise at Chelsea.

Inconsistent Chelsea loses to Servette despite early advantage but manages to advance

Previously, TheRadar reported that Chelsea’s journey into the league phase of the Europa Conference League has been sealed, although it was far from straightforward. Facing Servette in Switzerland, Chelsea went into the second leg with a 2-0 lead from Stamford Bridge. 

The game was also notable for Noni Madueke’s continued impressive form. Fresh off a hat-trick against Wolves and a first England call-up, he was one of Chelsea’s best players, though he was frustrated by Servette’s defence.