Cole Palmer hat-trick seals Chelsea win over Wolves in 100th appearance

Chelsea swept Wolves aside in a decisive first-half display as Cole Palmer bagged a hat-trick. The England forward, who has had his fair share of critics amid reports he was seeking a way out of Stamford Bridge, buried two penalties and smacked home a third on his 100th appearance for the Blues.

Wolves started on the front foot but fell behind when Matt Doherty clumsily tripped Joao Pedro in the box, allowing Palmer to slot home his first from the spot; he cupped his ears as he wheeled away in celebration. Palmer sent Jose Sa the wrong way with his second penalty after 35 minutes, and minutes later smashed into the roof of the net to complete his hat-trick from Marc Cucurella's precise cut-back.

The hosts pulled one back early in the second half through Tolu Arokodare's spin and strike, but the damage had long been done and Liam Rosenior's men kept pace with Manchester United in the race to finish in the top four.

England, Stamford Bridge