Rio Ferdinand shares 15-word message after Cole Palmer scores 4 goals in first half against Brighton to set up Chelsea win

Former Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand waxed lyrical about Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer following an incredible performance against Brighton & Hove Albion. The Blues secured a 4-2 victory over Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday (September 28) as Palmer stole the show with four goals.

The game started in chaotic fashion for the Blues as goalkeeper Robert Sanchez was beaten to a looping ball by Georgino Rutter, who headed into an empty net to give the Seagulls the lead (7'). Cole Palmer, however, restored parity for Chelsea in the 21st minute after Nicolas Jackson capitalized on Adam Webster’s error to find him in space on the edge of the box.

Seven minutes later, the England international doubled his tally as he assumed responsibility from the spot after Jadon Sancho was fouled in the penalty area. He completed his hat-trick with a magnificent long-range free-kick in the 31st minute. Brighton scored their second in the 34th minute, with Carlos Baleba capitalizing on another error by Sanchez.

Cole Palmer restored Chelsea’s two-goal lead following a defensive lapse from Fabian Hürzeler’s men in the 41st minute.

In the process, Palmer became the first player in the history of the Premier League to score four goals in the first half of a match as the Blues ended Brighton’s unbeaten start to the 2024-25 EPL season.

Ferdinand was in awe of Palmer’s incredible first half performance and took to X just before halftime to share a 15-word message about the player. He wrote:

''Cole Palmer just slapped in a quick hatty plus 1 in 45mins! He is him!!!’’

Palmer produced yet another remarkable performance for Chelsea. He won all his tackles, registered seven shots, and created four chances and two big chances. As a recognition for his amazing stats, he was named the man of the match.

Cole Palmer says he should have scored five or six goals in Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Brighton

After the match, Cole Palmer said he should have scored more than four goals in Chelsea’s 4-2 win over Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The 22-year-old admitted that he squandered some chances, which could have increased the Blues' tally in the match. Before he scored his first goal, he hit the woodwork from a presentable position. He also missed a 1v1 situation in the second half.

After the match, Palmer told Match of the Day (via GOAL):

"I should have had five or six! When I missed the first chance I was upset but with the way they played and their high line I felt we'd get more chances. The manager set up a good game plan, we knew how to attack them with first-time passes in behind. Brighton are a good team, pass the ball well. [Brighton] play similarly to us. Three points is what we needed and that is what we got. I try and play every game the best I can."