‘Never compare him to Saka again’ — Fans react as Chelsea's Palmer sets all-time Premier League record

Chelsea star Cole Palmer delivered a historic performance in a thrilling match against Brighton, scoring four goals in the first half to set a new Premier League record.

The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City, led the Blues to a sensational comeback after falling behind early at Stamford Bridge.

After a chaotic mix-up in Chelsea's defence allowed Georginio Rutter to give Brighton an early lead, Cole Palmer quickly turned things around with an incredible four goals.

Palmer's first came from a slick assist by Nicolas Jackson, setting him up for a composed finish. The England international’s second was a calm finish from the penalty spot after Jadon Sancho was fouled in the box, bringing his spot-kick accuracy to an incredible 10 out of 10.

Palmer completed his hat-trick with a stunning free kick, bending over Brighton’s wall with Bart Verbruggen unable to save it despite getting fingertips to the ball, earning the third hat-trick of his Chelsea career.

With three first-half goals already, Palmer was not satisfied and added another goal to round off his record-setting performance with a fourth just before the halftime whistle.

Palmer's remarkable achievement places him in the Premier League history books as the only player to score four goals in a single half in the 32 years since the league started.

His goal-scoring streak also sees him join Chelsea legends like Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, having notched three Premier League hat-tricks for the Blues, the joint most of any player in the Blues’ history, a record he now shares with the club greats.

With six goals and four assists already, Palmer is setting himself up for another remarkable season and could be among the award winners again at the end of the season if he continues with his current form.

Following the match against Brighton, fans on social media have pegged the Chelsea star above his would-be contemporaries, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, and Manchester City’s Phil Foden.

The three players have been in contention for the title of the best youngster in the Premier League recently, with Foden claiming the PFA Player of the Year award last season, while Palmer was named the PFA Young Player of the Year.

Despite the Manchester City star claiming the more prestigious award, Palmer’s recent performance has seen fans claim that the Chelsea star is head and shoulders above not only Foden but also Saka.

Palmer, who was unable to get a starting berth at the recently concluded Euro 2024 tournament, will be hoping his standing among the fans is adopted by new England manager Lee Carsley, who is set to announce his squad for upcoming games in the international break.