Record-breaking Cole Palmer helps Chelsea beat Brighton: Key stats
Cole Palmer continued to produce his magic as Chelsea defeated Brighton 2-1 in a crucial Premier League contest at the Amex Stadium. Palmer's header handed Chelsea a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute. Malo Gusto's low cross was swept in by substitute Christopher Nkunku for the second goal (64'). Chelsea saw Reece James get a red card (88') before Danny Welbeck scored late on.
Palmer gets to 25 goals across all competitions for Chelsea
Marc Cucurella got to the byline having been found by Mykhailo Mudryk and the cross is guided quite brilliantly over Bart Verbruggen by Palmer's well-taken header. Palmer has raced to 22 goals (A10) from 33 Premier League games this season for Chelsea. Overall, he owns 25 goals across all competitions in his debut season for the Blues (14). He is involved in 39 goals.
Palmer equals these Chelsea legends
As per Opta, Palmer has opened the scoring for the ninth time in this season. It's the joint-most by a Chelsea player in a single campaign along with Gianfranco Zola (1998-99), Didier Drogba (2006-07) and Eden Hazard (2014-15). Palmer equalled Frank Lampard's tally of 22 goals in 2009-10. Only Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (23 in 2000-01 and 2001-02) and Drogba (29 in 2009-10) have more.
Palmer breaks Hazard's record for Chelsea
As mentioned, Palmer has been directly involved in 32 Premier League goals this season. As per Squawka, he has overcome Eden Hazard's personal best for goals and assists in a league campaign for Chelsea. Hazard scored 16 goals (A15) in the 2018-19 season.
Summary of the match
Chelsea claimed a fourth win in succession to rise to sixth place. In addition to Palmer's goal, Chelsea had a penalty called overturned by VAR. Meanwhile, Brighton hit the post through Joao Pedro. Nkunku scored in a crucial phase to hand Chelsea a two-goal cushion. James was sent off which brought more life. Brighton saw Welbeck score but it was too late.
A look at the key feats attained
Chelsea have sealed four successive Premier League wins for the first time since October 2022. Brighton have suffered five defeats from their last nine games (D3 W1). Chelsea's Premier League matches have witnessed 137 goals (75 scored and 62 conceded). It's their most in a single Premier League campaign. Brighton suffered their third successive defeat in all competitions this season against the Blues.
Match stats and points table
Chelsea made 13 attempts with six shots on target. Brighton had two shots on target from 12 attempts. Brighton had more ball possession (55%) and a pass accuracy of 90%. Chelsea are sixth with 60 points from 37 matches (W17 D9 L11). Chelsea's goal difference is +13. Brighton are 10th with 48 points collected from 37 games. Brighton suffered their 13th defeat.
