Enzo Fernández Leads Chelsea to Victory & Champions League Push | Wolves vs Chelsea

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ struggles continued on Saturday, February 7, 2026, as they fell 3-1 to a confident Chelsea side at Molineux Stadium. A hat-trick from Cole Palmer propelled the Blues to a fourth successive Premier League win under Liam Rosenior, bolstering their Champions League qualification hopes and deepening the woes of the Premier League’s bottom club.

The victory was particularly significant for Chelsea following a midweek setback in the EFL Cup and with Manchester United breathing down their necks in the race for a top-four finish. Rosenior’s side responded emphatically, largely thanks to Palmer’s clinical finishing from the penalty spot and a well-taken goal in open play.

The opening goal arrived in the 12th minute, awarded after a somewhat controversial decision. Joao Pedro was fouled inside the penalty area by Matt Doherty, a challenge described as “crazy” and “needless” given the lack of immediate threat to goal. Palmer calmly dispatched the resulting penalty, sending Jose Sa the wrong way.

The pattern repeated itself shortly after. Pedro was again brought down in the box, this time by a shove in the back, and Palmer once again stepped up to convert, doubling Chelsea’s advantage. The ease with which Chelsea were winning penalties highlighted Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities and frustrated the home supporters.

Chelsea’s dominance continued, culminating in a third goal before halftime. Enzo Fernández, deployed in a slightly unconventional role on the left side by Rosenior, played a key role in the build-up. His pass found Marc Cucurella making an overlapping run, and the full-back’s cut-back was expertly finished by Palmer, completing his first-half hat-trick.

The first half ended with boos ringing out from the Molineux crowd, directed both at their team’s performance and the officiating. Rosenior’s team walked off delighted with the scoreline, despite the difficult first 45 minutes.

Wolves managed to pull a goal back early in the second half through Tolu Arokodare, a scrappy effort from a set piece that briefly ignited the home crowd. However, Chelsea remained largely in control, despite missing several chances to extend their lead. The Blues weren’t “up to much after the break,” but the three points were secured.

Enzo Fernández, captaining the side, was a central figure in Chelsea’s performance. While his positioning on the wing occasionally took him away from central playmaking duties, he still showcased his quality, most notably with a spectacular rabona attempt in the 24th minute that forced a save from Sá. The move was a contender for the Puskas award, but ultimately went unclaimed.

The introduction of Alejandro Garnacho in the 61st minute, replacing Palmer, provided a tactical shift for Rosenior. Garnacho’s arrival allowed Fernández to move back into a more central role, regaining freedom in the internal channels during the final stages of the match. This adjustment demonstrated Rosenior’s flexibility and tactical awareness.

The result leaves Chelsea firmly in the hunt for a Champions League spot, while Wolves remain mired in relegation trouble. Their defensive issues, having conceded 45 goals in 24 matches, are a major concern. The pressure is mounting on the team to find a solution before it’s too late.

Cole Palmer’s performance was undoubtedly the highlight of the match. His hat-trick was not only a testament to his finishing ability but also to his composure under pressure. He has become a key player for Chelsea, and his contributions will be vital as they continue their pursuit of a top-four finish. Palmer’s hat-trick was his fourth in the Premier League for the Blues, an unmatched feat.

Liam Rosenior’s decision to potentially shift Palmer to the right wing, to accommodate Andrey Santos and Moises Caicedo in a double pivot alongside Fernández, highlights his willingness to experiment and find the best balance in midfield. The success of this approach will be crucial in the coming weeks as Chelsea face a challenging run of fixtures.

For Wolves, the defeat is a harsh reminder of the challenges they face. They showed glimpses of fight in the second half, but ultimately lacked the quality and consistency to overcome a determined Chelsea side. The team needs to address its defensive frailties and find a way to create more scoring opportunities if they are to have any chance of avoiding relegation.