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Cole Palmer became the first Premier League player to score four times before half-time as he put Chelsea FC into the lead in an entertaining clash with Brighton.

The visitors had gone in front at Stamford Bridge before Palmer struck for the first time and equalized fifteen minutes after Georginio Rutter’s opener.

A second soon followed from the England international’s penalty spot, before completing his hat-trick with a sublime free-kick in just nine minutes and 48 seconds of match time.

Carlos Baleba hit back for Brighton but there was still time in the half for Palmer to add a fourth, converting a through ball from Jadon Sancho in a remarkable performance.

While players had previously registered four times in the second half, Palmer’s performance was unique in the Premier League era.

The 22-year-old enjoyed a sparkling season last year in his first season in London following his move from Manchester City, helping the club return to European competition.

After scoring 22 goals last season, he had registered twice in Enzo Maresca’s first five league games.

The half could have been even more productive, with Palmer having a potential fifth goal disallowed for offside and also striking into the woodwork in a chaotic 45 minutes.