Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson equals Arsenal’s Fabregas’ Premier League record

Evan Ferguson’s excellent start to life at Brighton continued on Saturday as the teenage striker bagged a hat-trick to etch his name in the Premier League’s history books alongside one of the competition’s greatest-ever players. 

Ferguson was on fire for Brighton as they swept aside Newcastle’s challenge, with the Irish forward scoring all three goals in the 3-1 victory. 

Still only 18 years old, Ferguson’s hat-trick brought with it a special Premier League milestone as the Brighton talent reached his 12th goal contribution in the competition as he has now scored 10 goals and provided two assists. 

Among Premier League players, Arsenal’s Cesc Fabregas is the only other non-English player to have reached this milestone while being 18 years old or younger, after the Spanish midfielder contributed five goals and 10 assists to the Gunners’ team before his 19th birthday. 

Ferguson also finds himself in the company of other Premier League greats including Chris Bart-Williams, as well as Liverpool icons Michael Owen and Robbie Fowler as the only 18-year-olds to have scored hattricks in the league. 

The Ireland international continues to grow his reputation in the Premier League and if he continues on this trajectory, he is primed to outshine all the names that he currently shares records with. 

Ferguson was the subject of interest from a number of top Premier League sides during the just concluded transfer window, but Brighton’s valuation of £120 million scared off suitors. 

However, given his recent performances, even such a steep price might not be enough to keep the talented Irish man with the Seagulls for much longer.