FOUR incredible first-half goals from Chelsea starboy Cole Palmer secured a 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge.
Palmer became the first player to score four in a first half of a single Prem match to end Brighton’s unbeaten run.
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It was a game of goalkeeping howlers, high-lines, THREE offside goals and a Cold Cole Palmer free-kick.
The six-goal thriller leaves Chelsea third in the Prem, with Brighton down to eighth after their first defeat of the season.
Brighton opened the scoring after four Chelsea stars – who all left the Seagulls for West London – couldn’t clear their lines. Before Chelsea took control through the former Manchester City man.
Here SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rates every Chelsea player…
Robert Sanchez – 4
Booed by Brighton fans who were not happy to see their former keeper again.
Before bizarrely coming too far out of his box to be beaten by Georginio Rutter who headed home from 12 yards
At fault AGAIN when his shocking blundering pass out from the back directly caused Brighton’s second goal.
The ball was intercepted by Carlos Baleba after Caicedo got caught slacking by not being quick enough to control it.
Later produced a big save before half-time.
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Malo Gusto – 6
His first start since Chelsea‘s 0-0 with Crystal Palace was hindered just 60 seconds in after asking to change his boots. Conceded some questionable free-kicks in closing stages.
Wesley Fofana – 6
Unconvincing in possession despite little pressure but performed defensive duties after Brighton’s early opener in the seventh minute.
Overhit a pass intended for Nkunku in the final five minutes. That would have set the Blues away for a dangerous counter.
Levi Colwill – 6
Awful clearance for Brighton’s opener as his horror attempt to get rid is headed in by Rutter who beats Sanchez to the ball.
Under pressure in the opening 20 minutes, with a half-hearted block almost going in the back of his own net.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Involved in the Brighton opener as well by being out jumped and pushed aside by Rutter.
But grew into the game in the second half, with some threatening crosses for Jackson. Thought he’d scored against his former employers, but a slight Pedro Neto deflection slowed the ball down to leave Cucurella offside.
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Moises Caicedo – 5
Started the comedy of errors for Brighton’s goal after played it to Colwill who hoofs it in the air for a clearance.
He was then involved in Brighton’s second, failing to react quick enough to Sanchez’s short pass. And gave possession away far too often in the second half. Surprised he lasted longer then Fernandez.
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Enzo Fernandez (c) – 7
Weak on the ball in the opening 15 minutes. Delicious ball for Palmer’s chance off the post. But settled into the game after the England winger’s second after going in the book inside 29 minutes.
Noni Madueke – 8
Moves quickly down that right hand side.
Looked to have assisted Sancho’s first Prem goal for Chelsea and the side’s second of the afternoon before it was rebuked for offside.
Stunning run and chance in the 38th minute, after a good passage of play from the back, by kneeing it down and sitting Webster down before marginally hitting past the post.
Cole Palmer – 10
Chelsea’s quadruple hero!
The England star hit the post in the 18th minute after a period of Brighton pressure. Before some brilliant runs in behind saw his next strike disallowed for offside a minute later.
But Palmer made no mistake in the 21st minute with a brilliant finish amid an extremely high Brighton line.
The turnaround was completed when he converted a penalty just five minutes later.
Palmer then Curled in a stunning 25-yard free-kick past Bart Verbruggen who could only get a fingernail to the ball.
Before some horror defending and a terrible pass out saw Palmer run through from Jadon Sancho‘s ball to score his fourth of the game. Continued to cause problems in the second half.
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Jadon Sancho – 7
Was caught tormenting Brighton’s full-backs before and after his 23rd minute tap in was ruled out for offside.
But he won a nailed on penalty for Chelsea just three minutes later after brilliantly storming past Dunk and picked up his third assist of the season for Palmer’s fourth.
Sancho’s link-up play with Palmer will be a threat moving forward.
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Nicolas Jackson – 7
Assisted Palmer’s opener. But largely quiet in Chelsea’s flourishing attack in the first half.
Started the second half brighter with a shot saved in the 46th minute. Headed over in 55th minute.
But a series of missed chances left Jackson visibly frustrated in the final 45… he should have passed quicker at times too.
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Subs
Pedro Neto (62′ for Madueke) – 6
Continued to provide a threat to the tiring Brighton defence late on.
