Cole Palmer nets first-half hat-trick at Wolves as Chelsea’s top-four charge intensifies | OneFootball

Chelsea kept their European ambitions on track with a controlled 3–1 victory over Wolves at Molineux, built almost entirely on a devastating first-half display from Cole Palmer.

The England international scored all three of Chelsea’s goals before the break, settling the contest long before Wolves could mount a meaningful response.

It was a performance defined by efficiency rather than chaos.

Wolves began with intent and energy, but their resistance was undone by poor decision-making at the back.

The opening goal arrived from the penalty spot after Joao Pedro was clipped inside the area, allowing Palmer to convert calmly and give Chelsea an early foothold.

The second followed a similar pattern.

Another foul on Pedro, this time a needless shove in the box, handed Palmer a second penalty, which he dispatched with equal composure to double the lead.

From that point, the game tilted decisively.

Chelsea grew in confidence and began to exploit the space left by a stretched Wolves defence.

Palmer completed his hat-trick in the 38th minute.

Receiving Marc Cucurella’s pass just inside the area, he drove his finish high past Jose Sa to cap a ruthless first-half showing.

The interval offered Wolves little more than a chance to restore pride.

They emerged with greater urgency and briefly threatened to reduce the deficit.

Mateus Mane struck the post early in the second half, and moments later Tolu Arokodare turned in from close range following a corner to give the home side some encouragement.

Chelsea, however, rarely looked unsettled.

Liam Rosenior’s side dropped into control mode, slowing the tempo, managing possession and denying Wolves the momentum required to build sustained pressure.

Palmer was withdrawn shortly after the hour as part of a managed return to full fitness, his contribution already decisive.

The remainder of the match passed without significant incident.

Wolves continued to work but lacked clarity in the final third, while Chelsea appeared content to see out the result without unnecessary risk.

The win extends Chelsea’s strong run under Rosenior and keeps them firmly in the top-four conversation.

They remain just a point behind fourth place, with form and confidence continuing to trend upwards.

The defeat deepens a bleak outlook for the hosts.

Defensive errors proved costly, and while the second-half response showed some fight, the damage had been done early.

Chelsea left Molineux with three points secured, their ambitions intact, and another reminder that decisive moments are increasingly being taken when they matter most.