Cole Palmer netted a first-half hat-trick as Chelsea triumphed over last-placed Wolves, extending their strong performance under Liam Rosenior.
The striker had scored four Premier League goals this season before Saturday’s game but nearly matched that number in just one match with a standout performance.
His initial two goals were penalties, the first expertly slotting into the lower corner after Joao Pedro was fouled, and then predicting the goalkeeper’s move for his second, once more following a foul on Pedro.
Palmer subsequently scored his third goal in the 38th minute after receiving a pass from Marc Cucurella, as the Wolves defense crumbled.
These three objectives also guaranteed his name would be recorded in history, making him the first player in the Premier League to achieve three first-half hat-tricks.
Wolves improved at the beginning of the second half, with Mateus Mane striking the post before Arokodare finished from short distance after a corner.
However, in spite of a better performance from the home team, Chelsea managed to hold them off for the rest of the game.
The victory – Chelsea’s fourth consecutive win under Rosenior – secures their place solidly in the top-four race.
They sit in fifth place in the standings, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United
After shining for Chelsea in 2025-26, Palmer has faced a more challenging season due to injuries and poor form, resulting in just a few goals before Saturday.
However, this was a performance reminiscent of last season’s Palmer – composed and precise with his finishes while usually participating in numerous attacks for the hosts.
This marks the third occasion in his Chelsea career that he has netted a first-half hat-trick.
Palmer was substituted 15 minutes into the second half as the club carefully regulates his playing time while he recuperates fully from a groin injury.
However, with the 2026 World Cup approaching in four months and England set to play their last two friendlies before the tournament in North America in March, this served as a timely reminder to both his club and country of the skills he has
