Cole Palmer became the first player to score four first-half goals in a Premier League game as Chelsea swept away Brighton to go third in the table.

In a remarkably entertaining match, Palmer, 22, also hit the post and had a further goal ruled out before the break as Chelsea's rapid frontline cashed in on Brighton's stubborn insistence on playing a high defensive line.

Albion scored twice early on themselves as fans were treated at a sun-kissed Stamford Bridge, with both of their strikes owing something to errors from Chelsea's former Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

But, after Georginio Rutter headed the visitors ahead, Palmer took a firm grasp of the game with a stunning individual display.