The England international scored all of his goals in the first half as the Blues picked up three points in crazy circumstances against the Seagulls

In a truly remarkable match, Cole Palmer turned in a performance of such immense quality it is only fair to call it a masterclass, as he scored four goals before half-time against Brighton, making Premier League history in the process as the Blues ran out 4-2 winners.

After seven minutes, Chelsea were behind, as Robert Sanchez made a terrible error by rushing out of his goal to claim a looping loose ball after Brighton pressed high. Georginio Rutter instead won the header and scored, with Sanchez way out of his goal.

Palmer hit the post shortly after as Chelsea tried to find an equaliser, and then scored 60 seconds later, but was ruled to be offside. Not to be denied, however, Palmer netted after Nicolas Jackson capitalised on an Adam Webster mistake to square for the ex-Manchester City man.

Jadon Sancho saw a VAR check rule out his first Blues goal in the 23rd minute, but in the 26th, he won a penalty, which Palmer stepped up to convert. Palmer then completed his hat-trick on the half-hour mark with a truly sensational free-kick from 25 yards.

Brighton just would not lie down, though, and less than five minutes later, Carlos Baleba capitalised on another Sanchez error to score. Amazingly, however, Palmer had his fourth goal before half-time, powering a low finish into the bottom corner.

The game somewhat petered out in the second half, which is to be expected given the crazy first-half, but it is a fixture that will forever be remembered for Palmer's heroics.

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…

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Robert Sanchez (3/10):

Awful mistake for Brighton's opener, as he rushed out of his goal for no discernible reason. Terrible pass before Baleba scored, too. Some decent saves, but he owes Palmer an immense debt of gratitude for bailing him out.

Malo Gusto (5/10):

Could do nothing defensively, really, but did affect the game in the final third with a few excellent crosses.

Wesley Fofana (5/10):

Struggled, much like Colwill. Better distribution than his centre-back partner but he needs to be stronger. Booked for a wild challenge in the second half.

Levi Colwill (4/10):

At fault for failing to clear the ball before Brighton's goal. Poor passing out of defence and struggled to match Brighton's intensity, particularly in the first half.

Marc Cucurella (6/10):

Got clattered as Brighton scored. A feisty performance saw him booked. Thought he had scored Chelsea's fifth with a volley but was offside. Subbed for Veiga.

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Moises Caicedo (5/10):

Froze as Brighton scored the opener and was robbed before Baleba's goal. A couple of good tackles aside, this was a game that appeared to pass him by.

Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

Some great passing from midfield, as he always looked for Palmer. Booked, but he is so clearly seen as the quarterback of this team. Subbed in second half.

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Noni Madueke (6/10):

Purposeful down the right. Hit the post in a wild first-half but wasn't as effective as his fellow forwards. Subbed for Neto on the hour.

Cole Palmer (10/10):

A masterpiece of a performance. Scored four in the first half, making Premier League history, including an incredible long-range free-kick. Some beautiful passing, too. He is absolutely ridiculous.

Nicolas Jackson (7/10):

Fantastic pressing to capitalise on Webster's mistake and find Palmer for the equaliser. Saw a shot cleared off the line after the restart. Subbed without a deserved goal, and appeared dejected as he trudged off.

Jadon Sancho (7/10):

Thought he had scored to put Chelsea ahead but VAR ruled him offside before he won the penalty. A fine performance that saw him repeatedly test Brighton's defence.

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Pedro Neto (6/10):

Replaced Madueke. Some bursts forward but Chelsea were shutting the game down when he came on.

Renato Veiga (6/10):

On for Cucurella. Slotted in at left-back and helped the Blues see the game out.

Mykhailo Mudryk (N/A):

Replaced Sancho late.

Christopher Nkunku (N/A):

On for Jackson with a few minutes left.

Romeo Lavia (N/A):

Made his return from injury as he replaced Fernandez late on.

Enzo Maresca (7/10):

He has made Chelsea into one of the most chaotic teams in the league, but three points are three points. There are defensive issues to solve, but with Palmer in the side, anything is possible.