### Cole Palmer Shines with Four Goals in Chelsea's Victory Over Brighton

In an extraordinary Premier League match on Saturday, Chelsea's Cole Palmer made history by becoming the first player ever to score four goals in the first half. This stellar performance engineered Chelsea's 4-2 victory over Brighton, drawing high praise from coach Enzo Maresca, who hailed Palmer as the best player in the division.

The 22-year-old forward exhibited a remarkable offensive burst, netting four times in a dramatic 20-minute stretch. Chelsea, initially trailing after Georginio Rutter's opener for Brighton, found a resurgence in Palmer's brilliance. Reflecting on his performance, Palmer expressed both pride and a hint of self-critique, adding, "I should have had five or six [goals]. 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."

Maresca shared his own thoughts on the match, acknowledging Palmer's fantastic play while noting the young star's potential for even more. "He scored four, but he also could have scored two or three more," Maresca said. "It's important he stays hungry and ambitious. I've known him for many years, back to his time with the under-23s at City and with the first team. What he was as a boy is exactly what he was three or four years ago. Goals, assists, best player of the Premier League -- this doesn't change the way he is. He's a humble guy, and for me, it's the most important thing."

Palmer showcased his prowess with goals in the 21st, 28th, 31st, and 41st minutes. With the first-half damage done, Chelsea managed a more controlled second half to secure their fourth league win of the season. This performance is not entirely unprecedented for Palmer, who previously scored four goals in a match against Everton last season.

This feat also solidified Palmer's place in Chelsea's storied history, joining legends like Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink as players to score three Premier League hat tricks for the club. The match against Brighton marked only Palmer's 39th league appearance for Chelsea since his transfer from Manchester City in 2023, underscoring his rapid ascent in English football.