Chelsea star Cole Palmer emulated the rare achievement of Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga following his heroics against Everton on Monday.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer and Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga have both scored ‘perfect’ hat-tricks in the last one month, a rare feat for footballers.
Palmer scored the quickest ever hat-trick for Chelsea in the Premier League as the Blues put thrashed Everton 6-0 at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
The England international nutmegged Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite before placing a precise strike past Jordan Pickford with a brilliant left-footed finish to give Chelsea the lead after 13 minutes.
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The 30-year-old Harambee Stars captain grabbed a goal in each half to help the Red Knights pick up a huge victory against Muaither.
Five minutes later, Palmer headed home into an empty net after Nicolas Jackson’s shot was only half-saved by Pickford.
Palmer completed his hat-trick in the 29th minute when he intercepted a poor pass from Pickford and lifted a right-footed lob over the stranded England goalkeeper.
While he went on to score four goals, after converting a 64th minute penalty, the Manchester City academy graduate achieved a rare feat of scoring a hat-trick on both feet and his head, an achievement managed by Harambee Stars captain three weeks ago.
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Palmer's night was historic as he played a crucial role in Chelsea's dominant 6-0 victory but also bagged a remarkable four goals.
Olunga was the toast of Kenya as Harambee Stars claimed the Four Nations trophy after beating Zimbabwe 3-1 in Lilongwe, Malawi on March 26.
After Joseph Okumu scored an own goal inside three minutes, Olunga began the comeback when he headed in Ayub Timbe’s ball on the stroke of halftime.
The Al Duhail striker stationed himself between the two centre-backs and head in perfectly to draw Kenya level.
04:56 - 28.03.2024
Harambee Stars: Three players who scored hat-tricks for Kenya before Michael Olunga
Michael Olunga became just the fourth player to score a hat-trick for Harambee Stars following his heroics against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, but who are the other three that did it before him?
With Kenya looking for the second goal after the break, Olunga would extend their lead with a right-footed strike after Zimbabwe goalkeeper Bernard Donovan had punched the ball into his path.
Olunga then completed his perfect hat-trick in the 87th minute when he hammered home a left-footed half-volley that left Donovan with no chance.
The striker received the ball and let in bounce before unleashing an unstoppable shot outside the box to complete the rout for Firat’s men and join Abdul Baraza, Mike Okoth and Samy Okoth as the only players to have scored hat-tricks for Harambee Stars.
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Meanwhile, Palmer became the 36th player in Premier League history to score a perfect hat-trick with Manchester City Erling Haaland having been the last to achieve the milestone before him when he netted three against Nottingham Forest last season.
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