

Chelsea defeated Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge in a thrilling contest that saw Cole Palmer become the first player in the Premier League to score four goals in the first half of a match. Chelsea has won four of their past five league games, and Enzo Maresca is off to another strong start. Georginio Rutter scored the Seagulls' first goal with a header early on, taking advantage of a series of mistakes made by Chelsea's defense. The Blues had fallen down. Palmer, though, quickly assumed control and became the first player in the Premier League to score four goals in the first half.
The England international leveled the score by sweeping home Nicolas Jackson's ball and then calmly sunk in the penalty kick. Palmer fired a free kick into the top corner to round up his third Chelsea hat-trick in style. Carlos Baleba reduced Brighton's deficit by taking advantage of another error made by Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.