Player Ratings: Cole Palmer scores hat-trick as Chelsea defeat Wolves | OneFootball

Player Ratings: Wolves 1-3 Chelsea

Chelsea arrived at Molineux with momentum and pressure in equal measure, and left with a 3-1 victory that kept their top four ambitions on track. For Liam Rosenior, this was about control and clarity, stripping things back after recent experimentation and trusting a familiar structure to do the heavy lifting. Against a Wolves side that has made a habit of frustrating more vaunted opponents, Chelsea delivered a performance that was measured rather than spectacular, but effective where it mattered.

Chelsea approach under Rosenior

The Chelsea manager opted for balance over flair, mindful of fitness doubts around key figures and the wider context of the Premier League weekend. With rivals picking up points elsewhere, there was little appetite for risk. Chelsea’s midfield trio set the tone early, dictating tempo and denying Wolves the space they crave in transition. It was not always pretty, but it was intelligent, with Chelsea happy to recycle possession and wait for openings rather than force the issue.

Cole Palmer was the difference maker, operating between the lines and repeatedly finding pockets of space. His influence grew as the game wore on, and Wolves struggled to decide whether to close him down or protect their back line. That hesitation proved costly.

Wolves resistance under Edwards

Rob Edwards has tightened Wolves defensively in recent weeks, and there were periods where that organisation held firm. Wolves stayed compact, limited clear chances and showed flashes of threat through quick combinations in the final third. Debutants added energy and enthusiasm, even if cohesion is still a work in progress.

However, Wolves’ problem remains the same. When concentration dips, even briefly, they are punished. Chelsea’s second goal arrived from a moment of indecision at the back, and from there the hosts were chasing the game. The scoreline looks comfortable for Chelsea, but Wolves were competitive for longer than the result suggests.

Key moments and match rhythm

The match followed a familiar pattern. Chelsea controlled possession, Wolves looked to counter, and the contest hinged on individual quality in decisive areas. Chelsea’s ability to turn half chances into goals was the defining factor. Wolves worked hard, pressed intelligently at times, but lacked the clinical edge required to change the narrative.

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