Perfect Palmer hits four as Chelsea thrash Everton 6-0

LONDON :Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer scored four goals, including a hat-trick in the first 30 minutes, as his side hammered Everton 6-0 on Monday to maintain their push for a European spot and leave the visitors still hovering above the relegation zone.

The 21-year-old Palmer underlined his England credentials with a classic left foot, header, right foot treble and then added a second-half penalty as Chelsea ran riot.

Nicolas Jackson and substitute Alfie Gilchrist were also on target as Chelsea remain ninth on 47 points but with games in hand on all the teams above them.

It was a sobering night for Sean Dyche's visitors, however, as the heavy defeat leaves Everton 16th on 27, two places and two points above the relegation zone.

Everton actually had the first good chance but Beto blasted over from point-blank range after 10 minutes and it was downhill from then on.

Palmer got things moving after 13 minutes when he nutmegged Jarrad Branthwaite, played a one-two with Jackson and instantly clipped a shot from the edge of the box beyond the diving Jordan Pickford.

Five minutes later more intricate passing – albeit alongside some tentative Everton defending – set up the second as Pickford parried a Jackson shot straight to Palmer, who nodded it into the empty net.

Pickford also handed Palmer his third but it was an entirely different situation as the midfielder intercepted a poor clearance 30 metres out and, with his weaker right foot, chipped brilliantly over the retreating keeper after 29 minutes.

Jackson made it 4-0 just before the break when he brought down Marc Cucurella’s cross and spun neatly to fire a low shot just inside the post.

Palmer’s fourth came from the penalty spot but only after captain Conor Gallagher had to