Palmer scores first-half hat-trick in Chelsea win

Cole Palmer scored a first-half hat-trick as Chelsea won at bottom-of-the-table Wolves to continue their good run of form under Liam Rosenior.

The forward had four Premier League goals this season before Saturday's match but almost matched that tally in just one game as he produced an impressive display.

His first two came from the penalty spot, first converting coolly into the bottom corner after Joao Pedro had been fouled, then sending the goalkeeper the wrong way for his second, again coming after Pedro had been fouled.

Palmer drove in from Marc Cucurella's pass to wrap up the hat-trick in the 38th minute, with the Wolves defence having fallen apart.

Those three goals also ensured his name entered the history books as he became the first player in the Premier League to score three first-half hat-tricks.

Wolves were better at the start of the second half with Mateus Mane hitting the woodwork before Tolu Arokodare turned in from close range following a corner.

Despite an improved display from the hosts, Chelsea were able to keep them at bay for the remainder of the match.

The win - Chelsea's fourth in a row in the league under Rosenior - keeps them firmly in top-four contention. They remain fifth in the table, one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Bar a minor miracle, Wolves will be playing Championship football next season - but performances since 30 December have given their fans some cause for optimism.

They went four games unbeaten - winning two and drawing two - while producing some encouraging displays.

However, it is now three defeats in a row for Rob Edwards' side and their performance in the first half of this game was a reminder there is still plenty of work for them to do as poor defending - particularly with the two penalties - killed the game for them.

Matt Doherty needlessly clipped Joao Pedro inside the box for the first, before Yerson Mosquera shoved over the striker for the second.

Wolves were much better after the break, showing plenty of fight and desire, but by then the damage had been done.

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