Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer dazzled with a remarkable four-goal performance, including a first-half hat-trick, as his team cruised to a dominant 6-0 victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Palmer’s heroics began in the 13th minute when he skillfully curled a shot into the bottom corner after a clever one-two play with teammate Nicolas Jackson, leaving Everton’s defense stunned.
He quickly added to Chelsea’s lead by heading in a rebound just five minutes later, following a save from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The 21-year-old completed his hat-trick in style around the 29th minute, intercepting a wayward pass from Pickford and lobbing the England goalkeeper from an impressive 40 yards out.
Before halftime, Jackson increased Everton’s misery by volleying in a cross from Marc Cucurella, and Palmer extended Chelsea’s lead further with a penalty in the 63rd minute.
Substitute Alfie Gilchrist put the finishing touches on the scoreline with his first goal for Chelsea in the 90th minute.
Chelsea’s unbeaten run now stands at eight matches in the Premier League, placing them just three points behind seventh-placed Manchester United for the final European spot, with a game in hand.
For Everton, this humbling defeat compounded their recent challenges, including a two-point deduction for financial rule breaches. They remain in 16th place, just two points above the relegation zone.
Palmer’s Phenomenal Season Continues
Cole Palmer’s exceptional season reached new heights with his four-goal display against Everton, boosting his chances for selection in England’s Euro 2024 squad.
With 20 Premier League goals this season, Palmer is now tied at the top of the golden boot race with Erling Haaland. Remarkably, Palmer had never scored a league goal before joining Chelsea from Manchester City this summer.
The 21-year-old’s versatility shone through as he scored with his left foot, head, right foot, and from the penalty spot, marking the fastest ‘perfect’ hat-trick since Gracenote began recording such data in 2008-09.
Despite a standout performance, Palmer’s humility was evident when he resolved a penalty dispute between teammates Jackson and Noni Madueke, calmly converting the spot-kick.
Looking ahead, Chelsea’s next challenge will see Palmer face his former club Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, aiming to build upon his remarkable goal-scoring streak.
Everton’s Struggles Deepen
Following Everton’s latest setback, defender James Tarkowski expressed deep embarrassment, highlighting the team’s defensive lapses and lackluster performance against Chelsea.
The defeat compounds Everton’s precarious position, especially with tough matches against Liverpool and Arsenal approaching. They face Nottingham Forest next in a crucial league encounter.
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