Wolves vs Chelsea: Arokodare on target but Palmer steals show in Blues win

Liam Rosenior's Chelsea earned a crucial win in their fight for the top four, beating Wolves 3-1.

The match belonged to Cole Palmer, whose clinical hat-trick proved to be the difference on an afternoon where Wolves’ survival hopes were dealt another heavy blow.

Palmer, reinstated to the starting XI by manager Liam Rosenior, opened the scoring in the 13th minute from the penalty spot after Joao Pedro was fouled by Matt Doherty.

He doubled the lead in nearly identical fashion just before the break, converting his second penalty of the half after Yerson Mosquera’s clumsy challenge.

Palmer completed his treble in the 38th minute, slotting home from close range after a pinpoint cross from Marc Cucurella.

Wolves did manage to find a lifeline through Tolu Arokodare.

The Nigerian striker, who was a constant physical presence, rose highest to meet an Adam Armstrong cross in the 54th minute, heading past Robert Sanchez to give the Molineux faithful a glimmer of hope.

Despite late pressure from the hosts, Chelsea held firm to secure their fourth straight Premier League win, moving them within a point of the top four.

For Wolves, the defeat leaves them rooted to the foot of the table and staring at a daunting gap to safety.