Chelsea's Cole Palmer scores a record four goals in the first half

Cole Palmer became the first player to score four goals in the first half of a Premier League game in Chelsea's extraordinary 4-2 win over Brighton on Saturday, prompting coach Enzo Maresca to name the striker as the league's best player to designate.

The 22-year-old scored four goals in a devastating 20-minute game against the south coast club as Chelsea recovered from Georginio Rutter's opener.

“I should have had five or six (goals),” Palmer told the BBC. “When I missed the first chance I was upset, but with the way they played and their high line I felt we would get more chances.”

“The coach put together a good game plan, we knew how to attack them from the back with initial passes. Three points was what we needed and we got them.”

Maresca agreed Palmer could have scored more goals but was full of praise for his star player.

“He scored four goals, but he could have scored two or three more goals,” Maresca said. “It’s important that he stays hungry and ambitious and I know him from many years ago with City’s under-23s and with the first team.”

“What he was as a boy is exactly what he was three or four years ago. Goals, assists, best player in the Premier League – that doesn't change his nature. He's a humble guy and for me that's the most important thing.

“He is a top player and these days young players in football can change quickly. Cole scores goals and never changes, and that’s the most important thing.”

“He is a special player; he is a simple and humble guy. He doesn’t need to tell people how good he is, it shows.”

Palmer scored in the 21st, 28th, 31st and 41st minutes of Saturday's game.

With the damage already done, Chelsea enjoyed a far less dramatic second half and claimed their fourth league win of the season.

Palmer already scored four goals in a single game for Chelsea last season, in a 6-0 win over Everton in April.

He became the fourth player to score three hat-tricks in the Premier League for Chelsea, alongside Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

The game against Brighton was only Palmer's 39th league game for Chelsea, having joined from Manchester City in 2023.

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report