Chelsea 4-2 Brighton: Cole Palmer scores four in first half in chaotic win

Cole Palmer scored a record-breaking four first-half goals as Chelsea beat Brighton in a chaotic game at Stamford Bridge.

A remarkable clash saw all six goals scored in the first 45, with the Seagulls being gifted two by former goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

It was Brighton who started the better, taking the lead after just seven minutes thanks to a helping hand, or lack of one, from Sanchez.

The Chelsea no.1 came for the cross and got nothing after a defensive mix-up, being beaten to the ball by Georginio Rutter, who bravely headed home his first for the Seagulls.

From here though, it became the Palmer show, as he and the Blues continuously exploited Brighton’s wayward high line.

After hitting the post and having a goal disallowed, he finally struck in the 21st minute, slotting home after poor Brighton defending and good work from Nicolas Jackson.

He had his hat-trick within 10 minutes, first striking a penalty after Jadon Sancho was fouled, and then curling in a stunning free-kick just after the half-hour mark.

Sanchez then gifted the Seagulls, and Carlos Baleba, a route back into the game, before his opposite number, Bart Verbruggen, did similarly, leading to Palmer firing home his fourth.

The second half was predictably less chaotic, but there was still chances aplenty, as the two sides served up a classic in West London.

Brighton’s unbeaten start to the season is over, while Chelsea move into the top four.

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