The England international became the first player to score four first-half goals in a Premier League game as Chelsea eased past Brighton to climb to fourth in the table.
Palmer also hit the post and had a goal disallowed before half-time at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea continued their impressive run of form under new boss Enzo Maresca.
The former Manchester City starlet should have added a fifth after the break but will be more than content with his afternoon’s work as he produced another performance which shows why he is ‘the best player in the Premier League’, at least according to his manager.
‘He scored four but he also could have scored two or three more,’ said Maresca, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in July as Mauricio Pochettino’s replacement.
‘It’s important he stays hungry, ambitious and I know him from many years ago with the under-23s at City and with the first team.
‘What he was as a boy is exactly what he was three or four years ago. Goals, assists, best player of the Premier League – this doesn’t change the way he is. He’s a humble guy and for me it’s the most important thing.
‘He’s a top player and today in football young players can change quick. Cole scores goals and never changes and this is the most important thing.
‘He’s special player, he’s a simple and humble guy. He doesn’t need to tell people how good he is because you can see it clearly.’
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, meanwhile, said Palmer was the best player his team have come up against so far this season.
‘So far yes,’ said the 31-year-old, who has taken nine points from his first six games in charge of the Seagulls.
‘He scored four goals and punished every mistake. He punished the first and second with the penalty, you can’t stop him in one-against-one situations and we have to defend him as a team.
‘Sometimes we lost our structure and it’s difficult to defend players like this.’
While delighted with his performance against Brighton, Palmer admitted it could have been an even more fruitful afternoon for him and Chelsea, who climbed into the Champions League places for the first time this season.
‘I should have had five or six!’ he told BBC’s Match of the Day.
‘When I missed the first chance I was upset but with the way they played and their high line I felt we’d get more chances.
“The manager set up a good game plan, we knew how to attack them with first-time passes in behind. I try and play every game the best I can.’
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