Nothing fazes him” - Alan Shearer on ‘unbelievable’ Chelsea star after 4-2 win against Brighton
Premier League legend Alan Shearer waxed lyrical of Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer after the Englishman's quadruple in his side's 4-2 Premier League home win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday (September 28).
Palmer, 22, was undoubtedly the star of the show at Stamford Bridge after Georgino Rutter had given the visitors a surprise seventh-minute lead. Palmer equalised 14 minutes later before putting his team ahead from the spot in the 29th minute.
Three minutes later, the Englishman completed a stunning 10-minute hat-trick - his third for the Blues in the Premier League (most by a player for the club). He then bagged his fourth of the game four minutes from the break after Carlos Baleba had pulled one back for Brighton.
Palmer squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to score in the second half and join an elite group of players to net five in a Premier League game. But he had done enough to give his side the three points after hitting the woodwork early on and seeing an effort ruled out for offisde, registering his second quadruple for the Blues.
Shearer told the Premier League website (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
“Four goals eh? Unbelievable, special player. Great character, nothing fazes him. Incredible ability.”
Palmer's first-half spot-kick was his 10th straight successful effort from the spot for the Blues.
"I should have had five or six" - Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer has made a superb start to the season. Following his quadruple effort against Brighton, Palmer now has six goals and four assists in eight games across competitions this season.
After his incredible effort at home, the Englishman told MOTD (via BBC) that he had chances to score more on the night while acknowledging his manager's game plan:
"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. They play similar to us. Three points is what we needed, and that is what we got. I try and play every game the best I can."
Overall, Cole Palmer has bagged 31 goals and 19 assists in 53 games across competitions for the Blues since arriving from Manchester City last summer.