Chelsea forward Cole Palmer was compared to Premier League legends Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie after his stunning performance in Chelsea’s 4-2 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge. The 22-year-old made history by netting all four of his goals in the first half, a feat never before achieved in Premier League history.
Palmer was a constant threat, with one goal disallowed and a shot that hit the woodwork, leaving Brighton unable to handle his brilliance. Former England and Arsenal striker Theo Walcott praised Palmer’s finesse, comparing him to Bergkamp and Van Persie, both renowned for their footballing intelligence and skill.
Bergkamp, a Premier League Hall of Famer, is an Arsenal icon with 87 goals and 94 assists across 315 appearances, securing three league titles. Van Persie, another Dutch legend, shone at Arsenal before clinching the 2012-13 Premier League title with Manchester United.
Walcott described Palmer’s performance as leaving him “speechless” and commended his rise at Chelsea. He believes Palmer’s talent makes him indispensable, not just for Chelsea but also for the England national team. “He’s got an aura that strikes fear into defenders. If he continues like this, he could become a Premier League legend,” said Walcott.
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards highlighted Palmer’s intelligence on the pitch, particularly his movement and timing, which make him a joy to watch. Richards noted, “When you become the main man, you’re marked by two players, but Palmer still delivers.”
Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was equally effusive, calling Palmer “an extraordinary footballer” and suggesting he might be the best of England’s current crop of players.
Palmer, modest about the comparison to Bergkamp, said he wasn’t too familiar with the Arsenal legend’s career but appreciated Walcott’s compliment. Reflecting on the game, Palmer remarked, “I should have had five or six goals, but I just try to perform my best in every match.”
His statistics are indeed remarkable. Palmer became the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half of a game. His hat-trick, scored in just 9 minutes and 48 seconds, was the fastest by a Chelsea player in Premier League history. Additionally, Palmer has converted all 10 of his penalties since joining Chelsea, with only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Frank Lampard matching his number of Premier League hat-tricks at the club.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who previously worked with Palmer at Manchester City, praised the young striker’s humility and ambition. Maresca said Palmer’s hunger for success was evident, despite his impressive achievements on the pitch.
Brighton, despite their pressing style and tactical risks, were punished by Palmer’s clinical finishing. Manager Fabian Hurzeler admitted his side made too many mistakes, especially with their high defensive line, which Chelsea exploited ruthlessly.
In what has been a chaotic summer for Chelsea, Palmer’s arrival from Manchester City for £42.5 million appears to be one of the club’s smartest moves. Despite turbulence off the field, Chelsea’s squad has begun to settle, with Palmer quickly establishing himself as one of their key players.
SUMMARY:
1. Cole Palmer’s Historic Performance
– Chelsea’s Cole Palmer scored all four goals in the first half of a 4-2 win against Brighton, becoming the first player in Premier League history to achieve this feat.
2. Praise from Theo Walcott
– Former Arsenal and England forward Theo Walcott compared Palmer to legends Dennis Bergkamp and Robin van Persie, highlighting his finesse and skill.
3. Bergkamp and Van Persie Comparisons
– Bergkamp, a Premier League Hall of Famer, had 87 goals and 94 assists for Arsenal, while Van Persie won the 2012-13 Premier League with Manchester United after starring at Arsenal.
4. Walcott on Palmer’s Potential
– Walcott expressed being “speechless” after Palmer’s performance, saying he is now Chelsea’s “main man” and could become a Premier League legend.
5. Micah Richards’ Analysis
– Former defender Micah Richards emphasized Palmer’s intelligent movement, noting that even when marked by two players, he still delivers brilliant performances.
6. Gary Lineker’s Praise
– Match of the Day host Gary Lineker described Palmer as an “extraordinary footballer,” possibly the best among England’s current talents.
7. Palmer’s Modesty
– Palmer modestly downplayed comparisons to Bergkamp, stating he hadn’t watched him much but appreciated Walcott’s praise.
8. Record-Breaking Statistics
– Palmer set multiple records, including:
– Fastest hat-trick by a Chelsea player in Premier League history (9 minutes 48 seconds).
– Direct involvement in 43 goals (28 goals, 15 assists) in the Premier League since the start of the 2023-24 season.
– Scoring 10 consecutive penalties since joining Chelsea, the longest streak for the club.
9. Chelsea Manager Enzo Maresca’s View
– Maresca praised Palmer’s hunger and humility, stating that despite his achievements, Palmer remains grounded and ambitious.
10. Brighton’s Tactical Struggles
– Brighton’s high defensive line was exploited by Palmer’s clinical finishing. Manager Fabian Hurzeler acknowledged their mistakes and the need for tactical adjustments.
11. Chelsea’s Smart Transfer Move
– Chelsea signed Palmer from Manchester City for £42.5 million, and his performances have quickly proven the move to be one of the club’s best decisions during a chaotic summer.
12. Chelsea’s Settled Squad
– Despite early season chaos, Chelsea’s squad has started to stabilize, with Palmer establishing himself as a key player for the team.
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