Chelsea fans had plenty to celebrate at Molineux after a dazzling 3-1 victory over Wolves, highlighted by Cole Palmer’s extraordinary first-half hat-trick. In just 25 electrifying minutes, Palmer single-handedly took the game away from the hosts, showcasing why he’s one of the Premier League’s hottest properties right now. The match, brimming with drama, history-making moments, and tactical twists, was another statement under new boss Liam Rosenior.
A record-breaking show: Palmer’s hat-trick heroics unpacked
Palmer wasted no time in stamping his authority, turning Wolves’ defense inside out before the clock even hit the half-hour mark. The opener in the 13th minute came courtesy of a coolly converted penalty, following Matt Doherty’s reckless tackle on Joao Pedro. It was a sign of things to come—the Wolves’ backline creaking under pressure and Palmer in ruthless mood.
The second penalty just before the half-hour, again the result of Joao Pedro’s forays into the box and a clumsy shove from Yerson Mosquera, was despatched with equal poise. And as if two goals weren’t enough, Palmer completed his hat-trick three minutes later by finishing off a fine move started by Marc Cucurella. By halftime, Wolves supporters were voicing their frustration, while Chelsea supporters could hardly believe their luck.
Consider these facts:
- Palmer is the first player in Premier League history to score three first-half hat-tricks.
- His previous first-half hat-tricks came against Everton (April 2024) and Brighton (September 2024).
- He’s delivered three of the last four first-half Premier League hat-tricks, with only Omar Marmoush joining him (February 2025 vs Newcastle).
Managerial milestones: Rosenior’s remarkable start
The win was more than a three-point haul; it marked Liam Rosenior’s fourth consecutive league victory since taking over Chelsea. The only other English manager to start with such a streak? Craig Shakespeare’s magic with Leicester City in 2017. Rosenior’s tactical approach—high energy, clinical finishing, and relentless pressing—has turned the Blues into serious top-four contenders almost overnight.
Chelsea’s attacking sharpness was clear in the stats:
- 15 shots, leading to a formidable 3.16 expected goals (xG) tally.
- Wolves, by comparison, mustered just two shots and a meager 0.12 xG in the disastrous first half.
Resilient Wolves: second-half response, but too little, too late
Despite a torrid opening 45 minutes, Wolves clawed their way back into the contest after the break. Mateus Mane rattled the post with a spectacular effort, raising hopes among the home crowd. Their persistence paid off less than a minute later, as Tolu Arokodare bundled home from a clever Adam Armstrong flick.
But Chelsea’s defense held firm, denying Wolves the chance to make things truly uncomfortable. By the final whistle, Wolves had improved their attacking metrics to 11 shots and 1.09 xG. Still, those two early penalties had already set the narrative—the hosts left to reflect on what might have been, their supporters’ earlier boos echoing into the night.
With this win, Chelsea closed the gap to just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United, keeping their top-four hopes vibrant. Wolves, conversely, sit rock bottom—18 points from safety and desperately searching for a spark to ignite their season.