Chelsea star Cole Palmer was in a record-equalling mood as he led the Blues to an emphatic 5-0 win over West Ham in the Premier League. 

In addition to Palmer, Chelsea’s other youngsters Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson were on song against West Ham, earning three points that temporarily take the Blues above rivals Manchester United into 7th place on the Premier League table. 

Goals from Palmer and Madueke, as well as a brace from Jackson helped Chelsea dominate the Hammers, with another goal coming from derby specialist Conor Gallagher. 

How it happened

The deadlock was broken in the 15th minute when Palmer capitalised on a loose ball inside the box, netting his 21st Premier League goal of the season on the eve of his 22nd birthday.

His 21st goal in addition to his nine assists gathered this season meant the Chelsea star became the first player 21 years or younger to be involved in 30 Premier League goals in one season since the start of the century.

Palmer’s strike against West Ham, his 16th at Stamford Bridge this season also saw him equal a record held by Chelsea legends Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard for the most goals at home for the Blues in a single campaign.

West Ham nearly found an equaliser moments after Palmer’s goal when Jarrod Bowen's header rattled the woodwork from a corner. However, Chelsea doubled their lead after 30 minutes as Conor Gallagher seized another loose ball and cleanly volleyed it home for 2-0.

The Blues extended their advantage in the 36th minute when Noni Madueke headed home from close range following Thiago Silva's knockdown from a corner. Gallagher came close to adding a fourth, hitting the crossbar.

Chelsea continued their dominance into the second half, quickly adding to their lead as Nicolas Jackson tapped into an empty net from Madueke's cut-back to make it 4-0. Former Chelsea player Emerson Palmieri had a chance to pull one back for West Ham but failed to capitalise, blazing his shot over the bar.

Bowen was once again denied by the woodwork in the 79th minute, hitting the crossbar for the third time after his effort deflected off Benoît Badiashile. Chelsea got the icing on their already sweet cake with Jackson racing through on goal and calmly slotting past Alphonse Areola to seal the emphatic 5-0 victory.