Cole Palmer netted a first-half hat-trick to lead Chelsea to a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday, helping manager Liam Rosenior become only the second English coach to win his first four Premier League matches.
Wolves’ problems began early in the match. Within 15 minutes, João Pedro was brought down by Matt Doherty in the penalty area, allowing Palmer to convert the spot-kick and put Chelsea ahead.
Wolves goalkeeper José Sá kept further damage at bay, denying efforts from Enzo Fernández and Malo Gusto, but Chelsea continued to dominate. The home side’s woes deepened when Yerson Mosquera fouled Pedro again inside the box, and Palmer calmly converted a second penalty, marking his 50th goal in 100 competitive appearances for the club.
Three minutes later, Palmer completed his first-half hat-trick with a close-range finish from Marc Cucurella’s cross, effectively putting the match beyond Wolves’ reach.
After the break, Wolves offered a brief response. Mateus Mané’s curling effort hit the post, and debutant Adam Armstrong set up Tolu Arokodare for a close-range finish to make it 3-1. However, Chelsea remained in control, and Pedro Neto squandered a late chance as the game drew to a close.
The win moves Chelsea into fifth place in the Premier League, just one point behind the final Champions League spot. Wolves, meanwhile, remain deep in relegation trouble, having suffered 19 league defeats — just three shy of Derby County’s record low for a single Premier League season.
