Cole Palmer scored the fastest hat-trick in the Premier League as the Blues beat Everton in a brilliant first half at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer, 21, has been in the spotlight since arriving in west London from Manchester City last summer and continued his fine form against Sean Dyche’s Toffees.
The England international beat Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and fired a shot past Jordan Pickford to put Chelsea ahead in the 13th minute.
Moments later, Pickford’s shot was only half-saved by Nicholas Jackson before Palmer headed it into an empty net.
Palmer completed a perfect hat-trick in just 30 minutes, scoring with both feet and a header,
intercepting a poor pass from Pickford and smashing the ball over the stranded England keeper.
Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports: “If there’s one player in the Premier League you don’t want to give the ball to in that situation, it’s Cole Palmer.”
“Palmer can’t believe his good fortune and treats it like it’s the easiest opportunity in the world. He plays with confidence and commands.
Palmer’s performance against Everton made him the first Chelsea player to score in seven consecutive Premier League games at Stamford Bridge.
In his final home game, Palmer scored twice in stoppage time and completed a hat-trick to shock Manchester United
with a dramatic and thrilling 4-3 victory. Chelsea added a fourth before Jackson broke through, who crossed for the ball and then turned it around to brilliantly beat Pickford.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher commented on Palmer’s first-half performance:
“He’s been sensational all season. He’s one of the best players in the league.” Everything was elegant and had a calm atmosphere. Some of the finishing work was sensational. »
Palmer has scored 19 goals in the Premier League this season, one less than Golden Boot leader Erling Haaland.
His 22 goals are the most by a Chelsea player in a single season since Diego Costa achieved the same goal in 2016/17.
Despite Palmer’s brilliant performances, Chelsea had an overall disappointing season under manager Mauricio Pochettino,
but if they pick up three points against Everton they will move one point clear of sixth-placed Newcastle.
I’ll place it in 9th place. Everton, meanwhile, were only 16th in the Premier League, two points above the relegation zone, before their trip to west London.
Chelsea’s excellent first-half performance bodes well for this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final against Palmer’s former club Manchester City, who sit two points clear at the top of the Premier League.
