Chelsea branded ‘absolute disgrace’ and ‘joke’ despite Palmer-led win over Brighton

Chelsea and Brighton were branded a “total disgrace” by a Liverpool legend after Cole Palmer powered the Blues to a 4-2 win over the Seagulls.

Palmer’s record-breaking performance saw him score four goals in 20 minutes at Stamford Bridge, including a free kick into the top corner.

Last season’s young player scored six goals in six matches, providing assists Chelsea They achieved their third league win on the spin.

Despite the dazzling entertainment on show, former Liverpool right-back Steve Nicol insisted Chelsea and Brighton’s performances were “a joke”.

Nicol said ESPN: “If you like fun, chances, mistakes and everything that goes with it, then you can go and watch Chelsea and Brighton.

“If you like real football it was a joke. These two teams were an absolute embarrassment defensively.”

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca insists Palmer is now the “best player” in the Premier League after scoring four last-minute goals.

Maresca said: “He scored four goals but could have scored two or three more. It’s important that he stays hungry and ambitious and I know him from years ago when he was with City’s under-23 team and the first team.

“What he was as a child was the same as it was three or four years ago. Goals, assists, the best player in the Premier League; These do not change his style. He’s a humble guy and that’s the most important thing to me.

“He is a top player and young players can change quickly in football today. Cole scores goals and never changes and that’s the most important thing.

“He is a special player, a simple and humble man. “He doesn’t need to tell people how good he is because you can see it clearly.”

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Palmer was coached by Maresca in Manchester City’s Elite Development Squad before being promoted to Pep Guardiola’s senior team.

The Italian coach believes that the English national football player can play in more than one position.

Maresca added: “We’re trying to use Cole in that position (as a number 10) because it’s his best position. He can play in the pocket as a false nine, back nine, winger, he’s so good that Cole is at his best on the pitch.”

“I have three children, my son is 11 years old, and I want my son (to be a person) that even if many things happen, nothing will change in him. “They can change easily with the younger players and boys, the best thing he (Palmer) has is that he loves football and that’s a great thing for him.”