“You’re a mid player” - Chelsea star writes hilarious message on match ball presented to Cole Palmer after his four goals against Brighton

It was truly the Cole Palmer show as Chelsea cruised to a 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, September 28. Palmer scored all four goals and took the match ball home, with his teammate Romeo Lavia leaving a hilarious message on it.

The evening didn’t start well for Chelsea, as they fell behind when Georginio Rutter opened the scoring in the seventh minute. The Blues responded just 14 minutes later, with Nicolas Jackson setting up Cole Palmer for a simple tap-in, who leveled the proceedings.

Palmer then doubled both his and Chelsea’s tally seven minutes later with a penalty before netting a spectacular 30-yard free-kick in the 31st minute, which was undoubtedly the pick of the goals. Despite Brighton briefly closing the gap with Carlos Baleba’s goal in the 34th minute, Palmer netted another goal (41'), becoming the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half.

It was a remarkable performance from the 22-year-old, who now has 10 goal contributions in the league. He also took home the match ball after securing his third hat-trick in Chelsea colors. Cole Palmer's teammate Romeo Lavia added a playful message, reflecting their strong friendship since their days at the Manchester City academy.

"You’re a mid player regardless," Lavia signed it with his name and jersey number on the ball.

While the first half saw end to end action between the teams, with six goals, the second half was much quieter as Chelsea saw out the game. The victory means that the Blues currently have 13 points from six games, which places them fourth in the table.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca lavishes praise on Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer undoubtedly stole the headlines with his stunning performance, but as he finds his rhythm, Chelsea are also starting to click under Enzo Maresca. They have now won their last four games across all competitions and are certainly one of the most in-form teams in the league.

Maresca, who coached Palmer during their time at Manchester City’s EDS side in the 2020/21 season, praised the young star, highlighting his relentless drive and hunger as key qualities that make him a top player.

"I just said to Cole (Palmer), he scored four but he could have scored two or three more. It is important he continues to be hungry and ambitious."

"The best thing he has is the way he is today as a boy, he was exactly that way two or three years ago. So, goals and assists, the best player in the Premier League; this does not change the way he is. He is a simple guy, a humble guy - and for me, this is the most important thing," he said (via football.london).

Chelsea’s next test will be against Gent in their Conference League opener on Thursday, October 3, followed by a clash with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, October 6.