Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer put on a stunning display, netting four goals, including a first-half hat-trick, as his team handed Everton a heavy defeat at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Palmer initiated the scoring in the 13th minute with a splendid curling shot into the bottom corner after skillfully maneuvering past Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and combining with teammate Nicolas Jackson.
Just five minutes later, he doubled the lead by nodding in a rebound following a save from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford off a Jackson strike.
The 21-year-old completed his hat-trick in remarkable fashion midway through the first half, intercepting a wayward pass from Pickford and executing a lob from 40 yards out.
Before the break, Jackson piled on more misery for Everton by volleying in Marc Cucurella’s cross, while Palmer secured his fourth goal from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute.
Substitute Alfie Gilchrist sealed the victory for Chelsea with a tight-angle strike in the 90th minute, marking his first goal for the club.
The win extended Chelsea’s unbeaten streak in the Premier League to eight matches, positioning them three points behind seventh-placed Manchester United, who currently occupy the final European qualification spot, with a game in hand.
On the other hand, Everton, facing their first match following a two-point deduction for a second breach of Premier League financial regulations, remained in 16th place, just two points clear of the relegation zone.
Fabulous Palmer hits 20 for the season
Palmer continues to shine brightly this season, further bolstering his chances for selection in England’s Euro 2024 squad with another outstanding performance marked by his second consecutive hat-trick at Stamford Bridge.
His tally of 20 Premier League goals this season places him alongside Erling Haaland at the summit of the golden boot race. Remarkably, prior to his transfer from Manchester City to Chelsea this summer, Palmer had never found the net in league competition.
Now a pivotal figure for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, the 21-year-old has registered the highest number of league goals in a single season for the Blues since Diego Costa’s 20-goal haul in 2016-17.
Palmer’s first three goals showcased his versatility, as he found the net with his left foot, his head, and his right foot, marking the quickest Premier League ‘perfect’ hat-trick since Gracenote began recording such data in 2008-09.
Additionally, he earned a penalty for Chelsea in the second half after being fouled by Abdoulaye Doucoure and confidently converted the spot-kick, despite some disagreement with teammates Jackson and Noni Madueke over who would take the penalty.
Palmer’s performance was nothing short of sensational, and he had further opportunities to add to his tally on either side of halftime, though he was unable to capitalize on a Madueke cross and was later thwarted by the legs of Pickford.
With 11 goals in his last six appearances across all competitions, Palmer will undoubtedly be eager to continue his scoring streak in Chelsea’s upcoming FA Cup semi-final against his former club Manchester City on Saturday.
Struggling Everton exposed at the back
Everton’s defensive frailties were glaringly evident, as they conceded with Chelsea’s initial attack of the match.
Just moments before Chelsea’s opener, Everton had a promising chance themselves, but Beto, deputizing for the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, failed to direct Seamus Coleman’s low cross on target from close range.
Beto’s frustrations continued as he saw a headed goal ruled out for offside with Everton trailing 3-0 in the first half.
The defeat will undoubtedly sting Everton supporters even more in light of their recent two-point deduction, announced on Monday, April 8.
The Premier League has scheduled an urgent hearing for the club’s appeal.
With challenging fixtures against Liverpool and Arsenal looming before the season’s conclusion, Sean Dyche’s team finds themselves in a precarious position.
Their next league encounter sees them hosting Nottingham Forest on Sunday.