Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer put on a stunning performance, scoring four goals, including a hat-trick in the first 29 minutes, as Chelsea dominated Everton at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.
Palmer opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a superb curling shot into the bottom corner after skillfully playing a one-two with teammate Nicolas Jackson, having earlier nutmegged Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Perfect hat-trick. ✅#CFC | #CheEve pic.twitter.com/rR7NGZKYG7
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 16, 2024
He then doubled Chelsea’s lead five minutes later, heading in a rebound following a Jackson shot saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Palmer completed his hat-trick in spectacular fashion midway through the first half, intercepting a poor pass from Pickford and lobbing the England goalkeeper from 40 yards out.
Jackson further added to Everton’s misery just before halftime, volleying in Marc Cucurella’s cut-back. Palmer then scored his fourth goal from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute.
4️⃣ for Cole Palmer… 🤯#CFC | #CheEve pic.twitter.com/btxmNXOfmy
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 16, 2024
Chelsea’s sixth goal came in the 90th minute when substitute Alfie Gilchrist scored his first goal for the club from a tight angle.
The victory extended Chelsea’s unbeaten run in the Premier League to eight matches, placing them three points behind seventh-placed Manchester United, who hold the last European spot and have played one game less.
In contrast, Everton, playing their first match after receiving a two-point deduction for a second breach of Premier League financial rules, remained in 16th place, two points above the relegation zone.