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1 month ago
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Each match has its satisfactions and its problems. But over the past year, the satisfactions have often been the same on the Chelsea side, namely the stunning performances of Cole Palmer. After qualifying his team for the European Cup single-handedly (22 goals and 11 assists), one could wonder if the Englishman would be able to repeat it to the same extent this season. The answer has been before our eyes since August. Before Chelsea’s victory against Brighton this afternoon (4-2), the former Manchester City player already had 2 goals and 4 assists in 5 games, a more than flattering record.
But as appetite comes with eating, Palmer scored 4 new goals against his opponents of the day, all in one half (between the 21st and 41st). By achieving such a performance, the 22-year-old striker simply set foot in the eternal, since no player in the history of the Premier League had been able to score 4 times in a single period . Palmer had already scored a quadruple last season against Everton (6-0), but by scoring three goals in the first act, and another in the second, which still already placed his service record at the time .
A performance in the great history book of the Premier League
Further than the simple statistical sheet, it is the influence of the Englishman, and his ability to claw at (almost) every stroke of his paw, which commands admiration. He scored his first goal from a tight angle on a serve from Jackson, then deceived Verbruggen with a flat foot, before disgusting the Dutchman with a free kick in the top corner from 25 meters. So far, Palmer has already matched Lampard, Drogba and Hasselbaink, the only players to have scored three hat-tricks for the Blues in the Premier League. But insatiable, the 22-year-old winger put a coin back in the machine in a school action, bringing his total to 20 goals in 18 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.
If we are being nitpicky, we will remember that Palmer could have closed his match with 5 or 6 goals, but he hit the post, then completely missed his one-on-one with Verbruggen after returning from the locker room. “I have known Cole for many years since I had him at Manchester City with the U23s. The best thing is how he is as a human. But you would have to be blind not to see Cole’s qualities. I said he scored four (goals) but he could also have scored more, you always have to be ambitious and hungry.smiled his trainer Enzo Maresca at the microphone of the BBC after the meeting.
But no matter: Chelsea won, are now 3rd in the championship, and even their opponents are bowing to the talent of their best player: “There aren’t many players like Palmer in the Premier League, this boy is special”recognized Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler. For his part, Palmer did not seem to appreciate his historic performance: “When I missed my first chance, I was upset, but seeing how high they were playing, I felt like we were going to have more chances. I just try to be better every game.”confided the hero of the day, chambered by his teammate and friend Romeo Lavia. “In any case, you are a mid-range player”wrote the Belgian on the match ball given to Palmer to reward him for his performance. A mid-range player, but premium then.
