Cole Palmer scores perfect hattrick as The Blues demolish Everton.
Written by Zenna Issa on April 16, 2024
Chelsea secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Everton, with four goals scored in the first half and two in the second. This match marked Sean Dyche’s heaviest career defeat as a manager.
Chelsea entered the game following a disappointing 2-2 draw against Sheffield United, the bottom team of the league.
They faced an Everton side that boasted the fourth-best defence in the league.
However, despite the expectations of a strong resistance from Dyche’s side, Chelsea’s attack led by Cole Palmer, cut through Everton’s defence with ease, resulting in their biggest win under the management of Mauricio Pochettino.
How it happened
Chelsea showed signs of vulnerability in defence early on as Everton pressed high up the pitch, threatening to take advantage of any mistakes.
Beto had a clear chance to score for Everton but missed, lifting his shot over the bar from close range while Chelsea’s defence was caught off guard.
The star of the match was Palmer, who scored an impressive perfect hat-trick and more.
His first goal was a beauty, as he danced past Everton defenders before curling a sublime strike into the top corner.
Palmer then showed his predatory instincts, scoring from close range before capitalizing on a defensive error from Jordan Pickford to complete his hat-trick with a long-range effort.
Despite Everton’s efforts to contain Palmer, the forward continued to be a thorn in their side throughout the game.
Adding to Everton’s misery, Jackson struck a fourth for Chelsea with a powerful half-volley before halftime.
Sean Dyche made some changes during halftime, but they failed to spark a revival for Everton, as they struggled to make an impact in the second half.
Palmer remained relentless in his pursuit of goals, forcing Pickford into action with a smart stop before confidently converting a penalty to complete his stellar performance.
The penalty caused an embarrassing spectacle, as Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke argued over who would take it.
But after Conor Gallagher intervened, the ball was handed to the designated kicker, the 21-year-old Palmer, who made no mistake from 18 yards out.
Chelsea’s dominance was sealed by Gilchrist’s late strike, securing a comprehensive victory.
Dyche’s side now faces a tough battle to avoid relegation, particularly after a recent points deduction.
Everton’s survival hopes hang in the balance as they navigate through a challenging period in their season.