Enzo Maresca claimed his first Premier League home victory with Chelsea in entertaining fashion, as the Blues triumphed in a thrilling encounter at Stamford Bridge. The home team started sluggishly and quickly found themselves behind just seven minutes in, after a costly error from goalkeeper Robert Sánchez gifted Brighton an early lead. A poor clearance by Levi Colwill led to Sánchez rushing off his line, leaving him stranded and allowing Georginio Rutter to slot home the opener for Brighton.
The early goal served as a wake-up call for Chelsea, who responded with a stunning turnaround. In the span of just 20 minutes, Cole Palmer took centre stage, netting four goals to turn the game on its head. The match quickly became the “Cole Palmer Show,” as fans watched in awe of his history-making performance.
In a contest that will be remembered for its high-octane entertainment and Palmer’s incredible feat, here at the Pride of London, we highlight the top three standout performers in this unforgettable clash at Stamford Bridge.
Cole Palmer – A History-Making Performance
Cole Palmer etched his name into the Premier League history books with an astonishing four-goal haul in the first half, a feat never before achieved in the league’s storied history.
The England international display of clinical finishing left football fans in awe. Palmer could have easily added to his tally and even bagged a couple of assists if Nicolas Jackson had been more composed in front of goal.
The former Manchester City academy star continues to build on his outstanding form from last season, netting six goals in six league appearances so far. At just 22, Palmer is showing maturity and flair beyond his years, living up to his billing as one of the most exciting young talents in English football.
What more could a player do in a single match? He hit the post, had a goal ruled out for offside, scored free kick and scored a penalty. He was an absolute nightmare for the Brighton defence. The Premier League’s reigning Young Player of the Year is rising fast, and this performance was yet another reminder of his incredible potential.
Nicolas Jackson – Relentless Work Rate
Nicolas Jackson may not have found the back of the net in Chelsea’s thrilling win, but his presence and work ethic were undeniable. The Senegalese international’s relentless pressing kept the Brighton defense on edge throughout the first half of the match.
Though Jackson missed a couple of opportunities, including a close chance where his shot was cleared off the line after receiving a sublime ball from Cole Palmer, his efforts were instrumental in the side’s success. His pressure on Adam Webster led directly to Chelsea’s equalizer, as Jackson pounced on the defender’s mistake and set up Palmer for his first goal. Jackson’s tireless work off the ball showed why he’s a key asset in attack, even when he’s not scoring.
Jadon Sancho – A Creative Force
Jadon Sancho thought he had levelled the score for CFC in the 23rd minute, only for VAR to intervene and rule out the goal due to an offside call on Noni Madueke. Undeterred, moments later, Sancho made a brilliant, driving run into the penalty area, before he was brought down, resulting in a penalty for Chelsea which Palmer calmly dispatched.
Sancho’s influence didn’t stop there. He provided the assist for Cole Palmer’s fourth goal, capping off a dominant first half. The former Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund winger has now registered an assist in all three of his Blues appearances this season – a testament of his his creativity and vision. Premier League defences, take note—Sancho is just getting started for Chelsea!
