The Record-Breaker: Cole Palmer Makes Premier League History

Four goals in forty minutes is a new Premier League record. That’s what the headlines have been saying, but technically what Cole Palmer achieved last Saturday is even more impressive. His first goal came in the 21st minute and his last in the 41st minute. In between were twenty minutes of what can only be described as condensed brilliance.

When a reporter asked after the match whether this was the best performance of his career so far, Palmer was characteristically humble.

“I’m not sure,” he said. “Maybe, maybe… It was up there.” 

We don’t have to think hard to recall some of the other performances that are probably “up there” in Palmer’s mind. There was the stunner he scored in the opening minute of the 2023 Community Shield—the moment that launched his reputation, the first hint of the promise to come. A more recent highlight would be the Euros final, when, shortly after coming on as a substitute, he scored the equalizer and had his whole country leaping ecstatically to their feet. This was a goal that could only have come from a man who knows he belongs on the world stage. 

Born and raised in Manchester, Palmer has blossomed at Stamford Bridge, racking up twenty-five goals and nineteen assists in his first season. A product of Manchester City’s academy, he is now a Blue through and through, having signed a contract with Chelsea until 2033. On the strength of last Saturday’s masterclass, English analyst and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher declared him the best player in the Premier League. The hype couldn’t get any bigger. And yet Palmer shows no sign of feeling the pressure. He keeps on delivering, week after week. It’s a telling detail that he only needed a single touch to score each of the four goals against Brighton. This kid already has the unhesitating confidence of a veteran of the game. 

Soccer fans will be rewinding and savoring that third goal for years. A flawless free kick that found the top corner of the net with surgical precision. It’s a moment that’s certain to go down as an all-time great Premier League goal. Only at MatchWornShirt do you have the chance to make it yours.