Cole Palmer Hits Four As Chelsea Thrash Everton

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer was the star of the show on Monday as he scored four goals, including a hat trick in the first 30 minutes, to lead his team to a dominant 6-0 victory over Everton. This win helped Chelsea maintain their push for a European spot in the Premier League standings and left Everton precariously close to the relegation zone.

Cole Palmer’s Stellar Performance

Palmer, who is only 21 years old, underlined his potential and showcased his England credentials with a remarkable performance. He scored a classic hat trick in the first 30 minutes of the match, with a left foot, header, and right foot treble. Palmer also added a second-half penalty to complete his four-goal haul. His exceptional display took his Premier League season goal tally to 20, putting him alongside Manchester City’s Erling Haaland at the top of the scoring charts.

“When we signed him (Palmer), he was a great talent,” Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino said. “He is doing fantastic, he is doing really well, and he has adapted himself. The impact on the team was amazing from day one.”

Chelsea’s Ruthless Display

In addition to Palmer’s heroics, Chelsea saw goals from Nicolas Jackson and young substitute Alfie Gilchrist. Jackson added Chelsea’s fourth goal just before halftime, taking advantage of Marc Cucurella’s cross to fire a low shot inside the post.

Gilchrist, who came on as a substitute, made an immediate impact by scoring Chelsea’s sixth goal in the final minute. His goal was a rebound from a Ben Chilwell shot that was parried by Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Everton’s Struggles

For Everton, the match was a tough night as they found themselves overwhelmed by Chelsea’s attacking prowess. Manager Sean Dyche expressed his frustration with his team’s performance, stating, “A horrid night, miles away from where we want to be.” The heavy defeat left Everton in 16th place on 27 points, just two places and two points above the relegation zone.

Everton had an early opportunity to take the lead when Beto blasted over from point-blank range after 10 minutes. However, things quickly unraveled for them after that as Chelsea dominated the game.

A Controversial Moment

The match also saw a controversial moment during Chelsea’s penalty kick. When Noni Madueke was brought down in the box, there was a dispute over who would take the penalty, with Jackson and Madueke wrestling over the ball. Captain Conor Gallagher intervened to hand the ball to Palmer, who then calmly scored the penalty.

Pochettino expressed his displeasure over the incident, apologizing for the “bad image” it sent around the world and promising that such behavior would not be tolerated again.

Chelsea’s Aspirations

Chelsea’s victory continued their good, if inconsistent, run of form, pushing them into contention for minor European competitions. This is a step forward for the 2021 Champions League winners, who had found themselves stuck in mid-table just two months ago. The fans were delighted with the team’s performance, providing a boost to their confidence.

The Road Ahead for Everton

Everton now faces a crucial showdown with fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest on Sunday. With their goal difference and confidence taking a hit from the Chelsea match, Everton will need to regroup quickly to avoid further sliding towards relegation.

Overall, Palmer’s sensational performance was the highlight of the night, showcasing his potential as one of the Premier League’s rising stars. Chelsea will look to carry this momentum forward, while Everton must address their defensive vulnerabilities to steer clear of the relegation zone.