Cole Palmer produced a devastating first-half hat-trick as Chelsea swept aside bottom-of-the-table Wolves to continue their impressive run under Liam Rosenior.
The forward had managed just four Premier League goals prior to Saturday but nearly matched that total in 45 minutes with a ruthless display.
His opener came from the penalty spot, calmly rolling the ball into the bottom corner after Joao Pedro was brought down.
Minutes later, Palmer doubled his tally, again from 12 yards, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after Pedro was fouled for a second time.
The hat-trick was completed in style in the 38th minute, Palmer driving into the box and finishing confidently from Marc Cucurella’s pass as the Wolves defence unravelled.
The treble also saw him make history, becoming the first player in Premier League history to score three first-half hat-tricks.
Wolves showed more urgency after the break. Mateus Mané struck the woodwork before Arokodare pulled one back from close range following a corner.
Despite the hosts’ improvement, Chelsea remained in control and saw out the contest with little alarm.
The victory – Chelsea’s fourth straight under Rosenior – keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish.
They remain fifth, just a point behind Manchester United.
After a blistering 2025-26 campaign, this season has been more stop-start for Palmer, with injury and inconsistent form limiting his output.
This performance, though, was vintage Palmer: composed, clinical and heavily involved in Chelsea’s attacking play.
It marked the third time he has scored a first-half hat-trick for the club.
With his minutes still being carefully managed following a groin injury, Palmer was withdrawn midway through the second half.
With the 2026 World Cup now just four months away and England set to play their final pre-tournament friendlies in March, this was a timely reminder of his quality for both club and country.
Wolves’ relegation fears continue to deepen and, while recent performances had offered a flicker of hope, this first-half display underlined how fragile they remain defensively.
Two needless penalties proved decisive.
Matt Doherty clipped Joao Pedro for the first, before Yerson Mosquera shoved over the striker for the second, effectively handing Chelsea control of the match.
Rob Edwards’ side showed far more fight after the interval and at least forced Chelsea to stay alert, but by then the damage was already done, leaving Wolves staring down a bleak road toward the Championship.
