The Cole Palmer stat that embarrasses former Chelsea star Kai Havertz

Cole Palmer scored four goals in Chelsea’s 6-0 thrashing of Everton (Picture: Getty)

Cole Palmer enhanced his ever burgeoning reputation with a four-goal display against Everton last night as Chelsea significantly enhanced their prospects of European qualification.

The summer signing from Manchester City scored a perfect hat-trick inside the opening half an hour, and rounded off a stellar performance with a second half penalty.

Palmer is now level with Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot and, just as significantly, now has more Premier League goals for Chelsea (20) than Kai Havertz, the player he effectively replaced at Stamford Bridge, in 64 fewer appearances.

‘It all happened so fast in the first 30 minutes,’ said Palmer afterwards, reflecting on another man of the match performance.

‘We started well and to score a hat-trick, I’m buzzing. I think the team needed that after last Sunday and some previous games. We did well tonight. It was a great game for the team and me.

‘We needed to come out and show something and I think from the first minute we showed what we could do. It was a good performance tonight. We’re really happy with the win.

‘To make the decision to come to Chelsea was a big one for me and my family, but I just wanted to play football. I’m thankful to Chelsea for the opportunity and I’m buzzing.’

Cole Palmer is now level with Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot (Picture: Getty)

When asked which strike from the four was his favourite, the 21-year-old added: ‘I think my first one was my favourite,’ he replied. ‘My right-footed goal was a bit of a swinger, but my first one was probably my favourite.

‘As an attacker, you always want to help the team with goals and assists, but my main focus was playing well and trying to get into the positions to score goals.’

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, was full of praise for Palmer’s latest goalscoring exploits.

‘The impact on the team was amazing from day one,’ said Pochettino.

‘We always expect the best with everyone we sign, so it has not surprised us. He was always the player with the capacity to score goals, even in Manchester City.

‘But the way he adapted himself and the way he is playing and performing is fantastic. It is amazing for the team, amazing for him, and shows that the club made the right decision by signing him.’

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