London, England - Cole Palmer cemented his status as one of the Premier League's most clinical finishers, netting four first-half goals in Chelsea's thrilling 4-2 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, September 28, 2024.
Netting a hat-trick in 10 minutes and another one goal, all within the space of 20 minutes of the first half, the 22-year-old sensation became the first player to achieve this feat in the Premier League era, showcasing his ice-cool composure in front of goal.
Palmer giving an honest assessment in a post-match interview complained he should have scored more in Saturday's game.
"I should have had five or six," he said.
"When I missed the first chance I was upset but with the way they played and their high line I felt we'd get more chances," he added.
The Chelsea star, hit the post and had a goal ruled out for offside in a frantic first half where he shone like a thousand stars. Palmer also missed an open goal in the second half and hid his face in frustration.
Palmer's humility belies his dominance on the pitch. While acknowledging Chelsea's well-executed game plan, he praised manager Enzo Maresca's tactics.
"The manager set up a good game plan, we knew how to attack them with first-time passes in behind," Palmer said, as self-effacing off the pitch as he is dominant on it.
"Three points is what we needed and that is what we got," he stated.
The 22-year-old player has proven to be Chelsea's star signing since he joined from Manchester City as the transfer window closed at the start of last season.
On the other hand, Manchester City could not promise him he would play every week.
Palmer's transfer from Manchester City for £42.5 million has proven a masterstroke for Chelsea's American owners, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital. Their billion-pound investment in players has finally yielded results.
Furthermore, Palmer scored his 10th penalty on Saturday from 10 attempts since moving south, earning the 'ice-Cole' sobriquet.
He has also earned an England place since joining Chelsea, and has scored six goals so far this season for his club after doubters suggested he would run out of steam after his impressive start last season.
According to Chelsea's Head Coach Enzo Maresca who worked at City under Pep Guardiola, he mentioned that he has been treating palmer carefully, keeping him fresh for the Premier League by omitting him from the squad for the Europa Conference League.
"I knew Cole from years ago at City, he is a top player and just has to continue in the same way," Maresca stated.
