Cole Palmer’s historic first-half hat-trick helped Chelsea secure a latest Premier League win under Liam Rosenior as the Blues beat Wolves 3-1 at Molineux. Saturday’s victory was Chelsea’s fourth in as many league games under Rosenior, who becomes just the second-ever English manager to achieve such a feat during his opening four outings as a top-flight boss in the competition.
For Palmer, meanwhile, two calmly converted penalties - both won by Joao Pedro - were added to by a rifled finish in the 38th minute that made the fit-again star the first player in Premier League history to net three hat-tricks in the first half of a match, having previously done so against Everton and Brighton in 2024. He also pulls clear of club legends Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with this being his fourth league treble in total for the Blues.
Chelsea faded following that prolific opening period, allowing Wolves to pull one back shortly after the interval, but although the hosts huffed and puffed - rattling the woodwork at one point shortly before their goal - they were unable to stop Rosenior’s men returning to London with a crucial three points in their hunt for a top-four spot. Relive all the action as it happened below in our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis.
Wolves vs Chelsea latest news
- MATCH REPORT
- PLAYER RATINGS
- GOAL! Wolves 1-3 Chelsea: Arokodare pulls one back for hosts | 54'
- GOAL! Wolves 0-3 Chelsea: Palmer completes first-half hat-trick | 38'
- GOAL! Wolves 0-2 Chelsea: Palmer from the spot again after Pedro shoved | 35'
- GOAL! Wolves 0-1 Chelsea: Palmer scores penalty after Joao Pedro fouled | 13'
- Chelsea team news: Palmer and Neto start, James out
- Wolves team news: Armstrong and Gomes handed debuts
Chelsea player ratings: Palmer stuns as Sanchez let down
17:25 , Alex DakersChelsea won 3-1 at Molineux as Cole Palmer scored a hat-trick inside the first 38 minutes.
The Blues were far better in the first half than the second against the Premier League’s bottom side but were good value for their victory by the end.
Palmer scored two spot-kicks and then from open play into the roof of the net as Chelsea threatened to run away with it.
But a much-improved second half from Wolves saw them reduce the deficit through Tolu Arokodare’s close-range finish from a corner.
Dom Smith was at Molineux to rate the Chelsea players’ performances... click here to find out what he thought!
Report: Palmer's first-half hat-trick helps Blues keep winning in Premier League
17:20 , Alex DakersCole Palmer struck a first-half hat-trick as Chelsea beat Wolves 3-1 at Molineux to make it four Premier League wins from four under Liam Rosenior.
After a tough spell for the England forward, marred by fitness issues, a dearth of goals and reports he is unsettled, this was a return of the free-scoring talisman that for so long carried the team but who now looks just one part of a balanced side brimming with promise.
Two of his strikes were penalties given away by dreadful Wolves defensive decisions but converted impeccably, before a third effort finished off at the end of a flowing Chelsea move made him the club’s all-time record hat-trick scorer in the Premier League era, with four.
That took him ahead of such Blues royalty as Frank Lampard, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Didier Drogba.
Rosenior’s Chelsea have a long road to match the honours brought to Stamford Bridge by that trio, but this was further evidence of the soundness of the head coach’s appointment as the visitors cruised through against admittedly limited opposition.
Fan reaction: Over to you, Liverpool/Man City
17:19 , Alex DakersWell done, Chelsea! First half solid, second half a bit slow, but 3 huge points! Liverpool vs City tomorrow — if either loses, we’ll be just 4 points behind City or 4 points ahead of Liverpool. We move on. Come on, Blues! ⚽🔥#CFC | #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/DBGs07sRdu
— 𝐢𝐁𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬™ (@iBPass1) February 7, 2026
COLD THREE POINTS IN THE BAG. 🥶
— Wajid (@CFCWajid) February 7, 2026
One of the best performances of the season without a doubt. Offensive-wise we've been on another level in the last few weeks. Credit to Rosenior for transforming us. HUGE WIN, UP THE CHELS! 👊🔵#Cfc #PremierLeague #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/Bq87WIY7UX
Dom Smith reports
17:26 , Alex DakersSomeone give Cole Palmer his match ball. He is glitching. #CFC pic.twitter.com/4GOT0V5h3Q
— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) February 7, 2026
Palmer makes hat-trick history
17:13 , Alex DakersCole Palmer, meanwhile, nets his fourth Premier League hat-trick - the most by a Chelsea player - and becomes the first player in the entire competition’s history to hit a treble in the first half of a match on THREE separate occasions.
The Chelsea star managed that impressive feat, as he did today, against Everton and Brighton in 2024.
It also means Palmer has scored a first-half treble in three consecutive seasons.
Cole Palmer scores a first-half hat trick against Wolves.
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) February 7, 2026
It's his 4th hat trick in the Prem. pic.twitter.com/j8rnqBThBZ
Fan reaction: Rosenior makes it four in a row
17:11 , Alex DakersLiam Rosenior becomes just the second English manager in Premier League history to win his first four games in charge.
The late Craig Shakespeare won his first five games with Leicester City between February and April 2017.
Chelsea 2 : Brentford 0✅
— FIFTY (@Fiftybabanla) February 7, 2026
Chelsea 3 : palace 1 ✅
Chelsea 3 : Westham 2 ✅
Chelsea 3 : wolves 1 ✅
11 goals scored, 4 conceded
Liam Rosenior has won all 4 of his premier league games
#ARSSUN #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/9TLe9Gs3e8
FT: Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
17:01 , Alex Dakers90+8mins: That's all we have time for at Molineux!
Cole Palmer's first-half treble is enough for the Blues to see off the Premier League's bottom side.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
17:01 , Alex Dakers90+5mins: Mates Mane, who as ever has been one of the brighter sparks for Wolves, misses to the left of the goal from long range.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:57 , Alex Dakers90+2mins: Robert Sanchez makes a stop in the centre of his goal to prevent substitute Rodrigo Gomes heading in a second for Wolves.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:54 , Alex Dakers90+1mins: Pedro Lima replaces Joao Gomes for the hosts.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:53 , Alex Dakers90mins: Seven minutes added on at Molineux.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:51 , Alex Dakers88mins: Pedro Neto misses two chances to score against his old club in quick succession.
The first, a relatively free diving header following an Enzo Fernandez cross, is sent wide to the left, before Chelsea’s next foray forward ends in the Portuguese rifling into the side netting.
Not long to go now before Liam Rosenior becomes just the second English manager to win his first four Premier League games, after the late Craig Shakespeare.
Fan reaction: No love for Garnacho
16:47 , Alex Dakers85mins: Alejandro Garnacho came on for Cole Palmer around the half-hour mark, but he’s not done much of note.
A misplaced pass sees Chelsea lose possession, before quickly winning it back on the opposite flank.
Has Garnacho been told he is being sold in the summer?! What are these horrendous performances! #CFC#WOLCHE
— AD (@AD14U) February 7, 2026
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:46 , Alex Dakers84mins: Jorrel Hato is the man introduced in Santos’ place, as the home supporters head for the exits.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:45 , Alex Dakers83mins: Andrey Santos has flagged that he can’t continue and the physios come on to tend to him.
Dom Smith reports
16:44 , Alex DakersSo much of this second half has been played in Chelsea's half, and that's to Wolves's credit.
Fernandez playing very high up now, likely out of frustration at how much of the ball the hosts are seeing.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:42 , Alex Dakers80mins: Gomes is applauded off the pitch by the home support as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde takes his place in midfield for these final 10 minutes plus stoppages.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:41 , Alex Dakers78mins: Angel Gomes, making his Wolves debut today on loan from Marseilla, has gone down with an apparent cramp, leading the referee to stop play with Chelsea on the attack.
Liam Rosenior isn’t pleased.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:38 , Alex Dakers75mins: Joao Pedro was heavily involved today despite not scoring himself, having won both of Chelsea’s penalties that Cole Palmer converted in the first half.
He goes off, replaced by Liam Delap, while Malo Gusto makes way for Josh Acheampong.
Two like-for-like subs in terms of position, by the looks of things.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:36 , Alex Dakers73mins: Marc Cucurella goes into the book after handling the ball.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:35 , Alex Dakers73mins: Indeed, Dom.
Arokodare is flying into the box from the left, but Robert Sanchez watches the ball go out of play.
Dom Smith reports
16:35 , Alex DakersWolves are having a right good go here in this final 20 minutes. I think Rosenior is aware his Chelsea team still need some added impetus.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:34 , Alex Dakers71mins: Wolves have another chance now though and it’s a decent headed attempt by Yerson Mosquera under pressure, but it flies over.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:33 , Alex Dakers69mins: Nothing comes of that one either, aside from Malo Gusto taking a hit to the face from a flailing Wesley Fofana arm and the Chelsea right-back gets some treatment.
The home fans are raging that they had an attack halted by the referee so that Gusto could be seen to.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:31 , Alex Dakers69mins: A long throw-in from Wolves falls into Chelsea’s box but is cleared, and the attempted follow-up is blocked.
The hosts are forced all the way back to Jose Sa, who plays it long but to no avail.
We end up back where we started, with another throw-in.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:28 , Alex Dakers65mins: Wesley Fofana accidentally catches Wolves goal-scorer Tolu Arokodare on the chin when jumping for a header, and the forward receives treament on the pitch.
He’ll be fine to continue, by the looks of things.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:23 , Alex Dakers61mins: And one will be made now, as Joao Pedro wins a free-kick.
Off goes treble-scorer Cole Palmer, on comes Alejandro Garnacho.
Job done for Palmer on his return to the XI amid an injury-hit campaign. No suggestion that he was forced to come off there, most likely just some minute management from Liam Rosenior.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:23 , Alex Dakers60mins: It looks like some Chelsea changes are incoming...
Dom Smith reports
16:22 , Alex DakersThe 3,008 travelling Chelsea fans are having good fun in the rain this afternoon at Molineux but that Wolves goal was a poor one and a response will be expected from the Blues in the time remaining.
Wolves 1-3 Chelsea
16:22 , Alex Dakers56mins: Wolves are definitely showing more fight in this second half than they did in the first.
Mateus Mane sees an attempt from outside the box blocked.
Dom Smith reports
16:18 , Alex DakersThat's a really poor goal for Chelsea to have conceded, but it's a warning that a more intense start to this second half was needed from the visitors.
Sanchez is so angry at his defenders for staying unmoved in the box from the corner, and rightly so. Such a gift for the hosts.
GOAL! Wolves 1-3 Chelsea: Arokodare | 54'
16:17 , Alex Dakers54mins: And they’ve scored from it!
The delivery is flicked on by debutant Adam Armstrong, and Tolu Arokodare tucks it in from close range.
Is a comeback on the cards?
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
16:17 , Alex Dakers53mins: A great effort from young Wolves attacker Mateus Mane has Robert Sanchez beaten and comes back off the woodwork.
The hosts have a corner...
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
16:13 , Alex Dakers49mins: Joao Pedro is caught by Jose Sa as the Wolves goalie claims the ball, but VAR and the referee agree that there’ll be no third penalty given.
Yerson Mosquera, who gave away the second penalty by shoving Pedro, isn’t pleased by the Chelsea forward staying down.
Drop ball and we play on.
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
16:10 , Alex Dakers47mins: Wolves captain Matt Doherty, who gave away the first penalty Palmer converted by needlessly, fouling Joao Pedro was replaced at the interval.
Rodrigo Gomes is on in his place, meaning there are three Gomes’ on the pitch for the hosts: him, plus midfielders Angel - signed on loan on Deadline Day from Marseille - and Joao.
Back underway
16:09 , Alex Dakers46mins: We resume play at Molineux!
Palmer makes hat-trick history
16:06 , Alex DakersI’m hearing that Cole Palmer is the first player in Premier League history to score three hat-tricks in the first half of a match.
He has done that today, of course, and also managed it against Everton and Brighton in 2024.
Impressive stuff, that.
Fan reaction: A word for Pedro
16:03 , Alex DakersIf you’re just joining us, Cole Palmer’s first two goals came from penalties won by Joao Pedro, who is receiving praise of his own from Blues supporters online.
Let us know your thoughts on Twitter/X using the hashtag #WOLCHE, or leave a comment by clicking the button above this blog!
Joao Pedro has been incredible in recent weeks. He's completely turned his poor form around. I hope he gets his goal in the second half. It's great Palmer has got his seasonal hattrick. He needed that. There are a few more goals in that second half. #WOLCHE
— The blues (@delearnee) February 7, 2026
Fan reaction: Palmer's first half
15:56 , Alex Dakers🏴 Cole Palmer vs Wolves ( first 45 minutes)
— BlueCoWatch (@bluecowatchs) February 7, 2026
3 Goals
3 Shots attempted
3 Shots on target
28 Touches
86% Passing accuracy
Everybody got their headstart , the king is back 🙌🏾 #CFC #BlueCowatch #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/wVLiPdnazF
Superb first half, and what a massive performance this is for Palmer. Exactly what we needed after Midweek, Let’s not rest on just 3 and go for more.. UTC🔵 #CFC #WOLCHE
— Lukeyboy_CFC ⭐⭐ (@Lukeyboy_CFC) February 7, 2026
HT: Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
15:52 , Alex DakersA dismal, error-strewn half of football from Wolves, but Chelsea will have no complaints - particularly with the two penalties they were awarded.
It has been a very happy day so far for one man in particular, with Cole Palmer marking his return to the starting line-up with a first-half hat-trick.
Back shortly!
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
15:50 , Alex Dakers49mins: Wolves debutant Adam Armstrong is booked for hacking down Wesley Fofana.
Dom Smith reports
15:48 , Alex DakersThis really is a procession for Chelsea, who are strolling around with the ball as though they are not playing a Premier League match.
Yet they are. Wolves have been horrific.
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
15:48 , Alex Dakers45+2mins: Wolves howl for a penalty of their own but nothing is given after Mateus Mane goes down in the box.
Chelsea break quickly, but nothing comes of this attack.
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
15:47 , Alex Dakers45+1mins: We’ve had the first of five minutes that have been added on at the end of this first half.
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
15:45 , Alex Dakers44mins: Neto and Gusto are both lurking at the back post, but Wolves scramble the ball behind for another Chelsea corner.
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
15:44 , Alex Dakers43mins: Ladislav Krejci, available again following an illness, comes on for Hwang Hee-chan.
Attacker off, defender on. Wolves trying to stop this from getting any worse?
Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
15:43 , Alex Dakers42mins: Wolves regrouping at a stop in play, and it looks like Rob Edwards is making a very early change.
Dom Smith reports
15:39 , Alex DakersA Cole Palmer hat-trick inside 38 minutes at Molineux.
For Palmer, for Chelsea, for Thomas Tuchel, that will do very nicely indeed.
GOAL! Wolves 0-3 Chelsea: Palmer | 38'
15:39 , Alex Dakers38mins: It’s a first-half hat-trick for Cole Palmer!
Pedro Neto receives from Chelsea’s backline and works it out to the left, before Marc Cucurella cuts it back and Palmer fires high into the back of the net to complete his treble.
Dom Smith reports
15:37 , Alex DakersA nice reception from his Chelsea teammates for Palmer, after scoring his second penalty of the afternoon.
Both fouls by Wolves were totally avoidable and unforgivable.
GOAL! Wolves 0-2 Chelsea: Palmer (pen.) | 35'
15:36 , Alex Dakers35mins: Cole Palmer goes the other way, slotting into the bottom left corner this time, and Jose Sa picks the wrong side again.
Two nil to the visitors!
Dom Smith reports
15:35 , Alex DakersThat's just such an unforgiveable shove.
It's not one he needs to make. Pointless, but, again, Chelsea will take the freebie.
PENALTY! Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
15:35 , Alex Dakers33mins: Another penalty for the visitors!
A very daft shove from Yerson Mosquera on Joao Pedro, just about inside the area by the looks of things.
Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
15:34 , Alex Dakers32mins: Chelsea corner now, their third of the match, but Wolves clear again.
Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
15:31 , Alex Dakers30mins: Enzo Fernandez gives away a foul on the edge of the Wolves area, but Chelsea soon win possession back.
Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
15:29 , Alex Dakers28mins: That corner is cleared right back into Chelsea half, and the Blues reset.
Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
15:29 , Alex Dakers27mins: Another dangerous attack from Chelsea but this time Malo Gusto’s cross sails over to the far side of the box.
It’s worked back in again to Joao Pedro, but the Brazilian’s effort from a tough angle is deflected out for a corner.
Dom Smith reports
15:26 , Alex DakersThe Wolves fans are absolutely livid that the flag hasn't gone up sooner for a Fernandez offside there.
I'm with them. That rule to let play continue can be so frustrating.
Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
15:26 , Alex Dakers25mins: Chelsea have a few attempts after Malo Gusto crosses in from the right, but Enzo Fernandez is eventually flagged - correctly - for offside.
The Argentine was comfortably off when a teammate’s shot hit him and he attempted a rabona, but it wouldn’t have counted even if it had gone in.
Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
15:25 , Alex Dakers22mins: Little of note has happened since that goal, with the two sides largely trading fouls in this wet and windy weather.
Wolves 0-1 Chelsea
15:17 , Alex Dakers16mins: How will Wolves react to falling behind?
They nearly double their deficit as Jose Sa comes far out of his own box and is spared blushes when Enzo Fernandez’s long-range effort is blocked.
Dom Smith reports
15:14 , Alex DakersSuch a composed penalty from Palmer, rolled into the corner with Sa flying the other way. It's the perfect start for Chelsea.
GOAL! Wolves 0-1 Chelsea: Palmer (pen.) | 13'
15:14 , Alex Dakers13mins: Cole Palmer converts from 12 yards, knocking it calmly into the bottom right corner, and the Blues lead!
Dom Smith reports
15:13 , Alex DakersIt did feel as though that penalty was already going to be given. It's clear from Joao Pedro, and it has earned Chelsea a chance for the lead from the spot here.
PENALTY! Wolves 0-0 Chelsea
15:13 , Alex Dakers12mins: Matt Doherty clatters into the back of Joao Pedro with a rash challenge and Chelsea have a penalty!
A great run by ex-Wolves man Pedro Neto down the right there before founding Pedro, who was being forced away from goal so it’s a bit of a needless foul from Doherty.
Wolves 0-0 Chelsea
15:10 , Alex Dakers8mins: Yerson Mosquera sends a header towards goal following a Wolves free-kick on the wing - won by debutant Angel Gomes - but it’s blocked.
Wesley Fofana gets some treatment, having taken the force of the ball there.
Wolves 0-0 Chelsea
15:07 , Alex Dakers6mins: Wolves have shaded the early possession stats and had the only shot of the game so far.
Matt Doherty keeps the ball in play following a slack pass to prevent a Chelsea corner.
Wolves 0-0 Chelsea
15:04 , Alex Dakers2mins: First corner of the afternoon goes to Wolves after a threatening run and attempted cross by promising youngster Mateus Mane.
Chelsea aren’t convincing in their attempts to clear the danger, with Arokodare seeing a shot blocked before Joao Pedro eventually manages to hoof the ball away.
Dom Smith reports
15:01 , Alex DakersMiserable afternoon this, which means it's perfect for football.
KICK-OFF!
15:01 , Alex Dakers1mins: We’re underway at Molineux!
Line-up reminder
15:01 , Alex DakersA reminder of both sets of line-ups...
Wolves XI: Sa; Doherty, Mosquera, S Bueno, H Bueno; J Gomes, A Gomes; Hwang, Armstrong, Mane; Arokodare
Subs: Johnstone, Wolfe, Andre, Lima, R Gomes, Bellegarde, Krejci, Tchatchoua, Rawlings
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Enzo, Neto; Joao Pedro
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Sarr, Hato, Garnacho, Estevao, Delap, Guiu
Players out of the tunnel
14:58 , Alex DakersEnzo Fernandez - Chelsea’s stand-in skipper, with Reece James out injured - leads the visitors out of the tunnel and onto the Molineux pitch alongside their Wolverhampton hosts.
The in-form Argentine midfielder starts at No10 today, and will be hoping to continue drawing comparisons with Blues legend Frank Lampard if he can deliver another box-crashing masterclass.
Fan thoughts: Chelsea to respond to United victory?
14:57 , Alex DakersChelsea could do with a win here against the Premier League’s bottom side, especially after top-four rivals Manchester United beat Tottenham in today’s early kick-off to go four points clear of them.
Despite United's win putting them just ahead, I'm optimistic Chelsea will rise at Molineux, Rosenior's emphasis on reacting positively after setbacks gives me hope.
— Emma CFC (@footballconer) February 7, 2026
A strong showing today keeps us in the hunt.#ChelseaFC #WOLCHE #EPL
Five minutes to go
14:55 , Alex DakersKick-off is just a few minutes away.
Stick with us for all the latest updates, insight, analysis and reaction live from Molineux as Chelsea face Wolves!
Big day for Rosenior
14:50 , Alex DakersLiam Rosenior will become just the second English manager in Premier League history to win his first four games in charge if Chelsea beat Wolves today.
The late Craig Shakespeare won his first five games with Leicester City between February and April 2017.
A chilly day at Molineux
14:45 , Alex DakersThe players have been out warming up in the brisk Wolverhampton air here at at a wet and windy Molineux.
Not long until kick-off!
Here are the two new additions to Chelsea’s line-up today, the fit-again duo of Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto.
Andrey Santos set for important new Chelsea role after rebirth
14:38 , Alex DakersTo Andrey Santos, 21 years old and still finding his footing in English football, the appointment last month of Liam Rosenior as his head coach at Chelsea came as very welcome news, writes Dom Smith.
The second half of the 2023-24 campaign and all of last season rank as an important 18 months in Santos’s progression, working under Rosenior and becoming an integral part of his Strasbourg team on loan from Chelsea.
Rosenior’s move to Stamford Bridge, then, was a stroke of good fortune for Santos and his chances of making a success of his time in west London. He can kick on under Rosenior and, as he prepares to take to the field today, there is already evidence of him doing so.
Fan reaction: Chelsea's best XI?
14:33 , Alex DakersIs this Chelsea’s best possible starting XI, minus injured captain Reece James?
A reminder of how the Blues line up...
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Enzo, Neto; Joao Pedro
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Sarr, Hato, Garnacho, Estevao, Delap, Guiu
I think this is our best starting XI for now. Estavao can come on later on if Neto goes on his headless goose run again.
— Oche👑 (@OcheMathias) February 7, 2026
Let's go Blueeesss. KTBFFH 💙#WOLCHE
Countdown to kick-off
14:31 , Alex DakersLess than half an hour to go until we get underway at Molineux!
Wolves boss Edwards hands out instant debuts to Gomes, Armstrong
14:29 , Alex DakersAngel Gomes left Manchester United in 2020 and has spent the last five-and-a-bit years in Ligue 1, first for Lille before joining Marseille last summer.
He arrived at Wolves on loan on Deadline Day earlier this week, and instantly is named in Rob Edwards’ starting line-up.
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 7, 2026
The midfielder is one of two debutants for the hosts today, the other being Adam Armstrong after the striker signed from Southampton on Deadline Day.
“It’s a great game, a big game, and I’m really excited,” Gomes told reporters in the tunnel ahead of his first start for Wolves.
Chelsea told surprising new reason for Palmer struggles this season
14:22 , Alex DakersNicolas Jackson’s departure is a key reason why Cole Palmer is struggling at Chelsea, claims Paul Merson.
Palmer has yet to approach the heights of his superb first two seasons at Stamford Bridge, having been heavily impacted by a long-standing groin injury and other toe and thigh problems.
He has completed a full 90 minutes just a handful of times so far this term and made only 12 starts across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
Palmer was back on the bench on Tuesday night as Chelsea were beaten by Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie, though head coach Liam Rosenior has named him in his starting line-up today after insisting that he’s ready for a full run-out.
Many reasons have been put forward for Palmer’s failure to replicate that sparkling form from his opening two campaigns in west London that followed a switch from Manchester City, primarily a recurring groin problem suffered in the summer that lingered for months and caused him to miss two-and-a-half months as well as impacting him both before and after that absence.
However, Arsenal legend Merson - a lifelong Chelsea fan - has now posited a more surprising theory, that Palmer is actually being affected by the exit of striker Jackson, who was loaned to Bayern Munich last summer after a dramatic transfer saga on a deal that will become permanent if he makes a set number of appearances for the Bundesliga champions this season.
“I like Palmer, but Palmer misses Jackson,” Merson said on the latest episode of The Overlap’s Stick to Football podcast, alongside Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Jill Scott, Roy Keane and Ian Wright.
“Jackson made Palmer, and Palmer made Jackson.”
Both men scored when Chelsea beat Wolves 6-2 here last season.
Will Palmer be back amongst the goals today?
Fan thoughts: Palmer's perfect opportunity
14:15 , Alex DakersCole Palmer makes his 100th Chelsea start in all competitions today.
After an injury-hit year so far, will he rediscover his form today?
On paper, a match against the Premier League’s bottom side is a perfect opportunity to do so.
If palmer can't find that spark again against a struggling Wolves, then...🤷🏻♂️ #WOLCHE
— Chelsea Bri (@FanPulseUK) February 7, 2026
The Blues on arrival
14:09 , Alex DakersArriving at Molineux. ✊#CFC | #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/lUAjKmt3SM
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 7, 2026
Team news: Two changes for Chelsea, two debuts for Wolves
14:08 , Alex DakersTwo changes for Chelsea, then, as Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer replace Liam Delap and Jorrel Hato in the side that started the midweek Carabao Cup loss to Arsenal.
Those aren’t like for like replacements, of course, so it looks like a change of shape back to a 4-2-3-1 for Liam Rosenior’s side.
Reece James has failed a late fitness test, after missing the midweek defeat, but Neto is evidently ready to return.
As for Wolves, Rob Edwards hands debuts to Deadline Day signings Adam Armstrong and Angel Gomes and recalls veteran backlinesman Matt Doherty.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Enzo, Neto; Joao Pedro
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Sarr, Hato, Garnacho, Estevao, Delap, Guiu
Wolves XI: Sa, Doherty, H Bueno, S Bueno, J Gomes, Armstrong, Hwang, Arokodare, Mosquera, Mane, A Gomes
Subs: Johnstone, Wolfe, Andre, Lima, R Gomes, Bellegarde, Krejci, Tchatchoua, Rawlings
Wolves confirmed team news in full
13:57 , Alex DakersWolves XI: Sa; Doherty, Mosquera, S Bueno, H Bueno; J Gomes, A Gomes; Hwang, Armstrong, Mane; Arokodare
Subs: Johnstone, Wolfe, Andre, Lima, R Gomes, Bellegarde, Krejci, Tchatchoua, Rawlings
Chelsea confirmed team news in full
13:50 , Alex DakersChelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Andrey Santos, Caicedo; Palmer, Enzo, Neto; Joao Pedro
Subs: Sharman-Lowe, Acheampong, Badiashile, Sarr, Hato, Garnacho, Estevao, Delap, Guiu
WOLVES TEAM NEWS
13:45 , Alex DakersAnd here’s how the hosts line-up!
🔄 Three changes from #WOLBOU
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 7, 2026
🆕 Armstrong and Angel set for debuts
🇮🇪 Doherty starts
Here’s how we line-up to take on @ChelseaFC today 📋 pic.twitter.com/rG8wafxZyV
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
13:44 , Alex DakersHere’s our first batch of team news!
The Blues today. 🔵#CFC | #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/4sVkFH1Wh0
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 7, 2026
Palmer the last scorer standing
13:40 , Alex DakersChelsea won this fixture 6-2 last year, but just one of their goal-scorers is still at the club: Cole Palmer.
UTC! 🔵#CFC | #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/MdMKnHNYls
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 7, 2026
Fan thoughts
13:35 , Alex DakersThis Chelsea fan has Alejandro Garnacho in his starting line-up - but will Liam Rosenior?
Confirmed team news coming in the next 10 minutes.
Lineup Take 🏟️
— ChelsHub (@chelshubMedia) February 6, 2026
My XI vs 🦊Wolves
Thoughts, Blues? 👀💭#CFC #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/O8dIHxy6P0
Rosenior sends Garnacho message as star struggles for form
13:30 , Alex DakersLiam Rosenior has called off-form Alejandro Garnacho an “outstanding player” and backed him to have a “really good second half of the season”.
The home crowd at Stamford Bridge made their feelings known towards Garnacho in the first half of Chelsea’s 3-2 win over West Ham last weekend, in which he lost the ball more than ten times before being substituted at half-time.
The Argentine then played only 15 minutes as a substitute in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat at Arsenal.
The former Manchester United winger has found it difficult to build a bond with Chelsea fans so far since his summer move to Stamford Bridge, but Rosenior insists Garnacho is having a positive effect on games.
“I think Alej would be the first to say that maybe his performance wasn’t to his level in that [West Ham] game, but there were many collective things,” Rosenior said.
“My performance in the first half wasn’t good enough. So it’s down to the reaction of the crowd. It’s down to your own individual and collective performance.
“That’s gone now, that’s finished. I know Garna is an outstanding player, that’s why he’s here and I know he’s got many, many good times to come.”
It was then put to Rosenior in his press conference that Garnacho appeared shot of confidence as the first half against West Ham wore on, with the winger making individual errors and appearing to allow the crowd to get on his back.
“I saw Garna take the game forwards, I saw him reach really, really good positions where, by the way, he’s one-v-one against one of the best one-v-one defenders in world football [Aaron Wan-Bissaka].
“We were playing against a good team. He [Garnacho] creates a threat in terms of his movement. I’ve got full backing of him and I will always protect my players and I think he just needs to get some games and some rhythm, which is difficult at the moment because of the amount of changes we’re making.
“I back him to have a really good second half of the season.”
Will Garnacho start today? There’s not long until we find out!
Dom Smith reports: James not spotted
14:48 , Alex DakersChelsea arriving at Molineux, including Palmer, Sarr, Estevao, Neto. Didn’t spot James. #CFC pic.twitter.com/irBp6BCWMZ
— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) February 7, 2026
Analysis: Liam Rosenior's ability to laugh at himself will be a strength as Chelsea boss
13:20 , Alex DakersLiam Rosenior has made an assured start to life as Chelsea boss but has learned that there are some moments when a manager just has to laugh at himself, writes Dom Smith.
He had no choice but to take one such moment in good humour at the Emirates on Tuesday night when he tried and failed to take under his spell a clearance that had been sent high and out of play in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal.
It was one of those moments when a manager - Pep Guardiola seems to always manage it with aplomb - tries to impress the crowd with a crisp first touch.
Instead, though, the ball ballooned off Rosenior’s right foot and rebounded back against the advertising hoarding.
Some touch by Liam Rosenior yesterday😮💨 pic.twitter.com/tDgHhWay2Y
— No Context Prem (@NoContextEPL) February 4, 2026
A quick glance to his own dugout and there were faces on the Chelsea bench grinning back at Rosenior, humoured by his very public unforced error.
Rosenior, drenched, turned back to the pitch and on went the evening. But this moment was filmed by TV cameras, clipped up on social media, not left there in the moment.
Preparing for this afternoon’s meeting with Wolves at Molineux has commanded most of Chelsea’s attention at Cobham this week, but certainly not all of it.
“The lads have played it back to me on the video and we’ve had a laugh about it,” Rosenior said in his press conference on Thursday of his first-touch fault. “Estevao said he can’t believe that I was a professional footballer.” Inevitably, cue laughter in the room.
Good on Rosenior. The 41-year-old inhabits one of the highest-profile jobs in English football and is doing a decent job of it so far — with six wins from his first eight games — but he is also aware that a laugh and a joke every once in a while is as important as anything.
Chelsea predicted XI
13:15 , Alex DakersAs for the visitors, as we mentioned earlier Reece James and Pedro Neto are doubts as Chelsea travel to face Wolves, having taken part in a modified training session on Thursday after missing Tuesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg defeat.
Liam Rosenior said in his pre-Wolves press conference on Thursday that it would again be a last-minute decision with the medical staff that determines whether Chelsea captain James and winger Neto are passed fit to feature at Molineux.
Jamie Gittens will not be available after Rosenior revealed that the winger suffered a tear in his hamstring as he was forced off against West Ham in the first half of last weekend’s 3-2 comeback win at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea will remain without the injured Tosin Adarabioyo, Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill for their game against bottom club Wolves, while Filip Jorgensen has also been dealing with a knock.
But Rosenior was positive about the availability of Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian, who he said were able to play the full 90 minutes if needed.
Enzo Fernandez has barely had a rest all season and Rosenior may consider using Andrey Santos alongside Moises Caicedo to give the Argentine a break, either at Wolves or in midweek against Leeds.
Chelsea predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Doubts: James, Neto, Jorgensen
Injured: Gittens, Tosin, Essugo, Lavia, Colwill
Unavailable: Mudryk
Wolves predicted XI
13:10 , Alex DakersWe’ll have confirmed team news for you all shortly, but for now let’s make some predictions!
Starting with the hosts, Ladislav Krejci - if he’s fit - could return to the backline in place of the departing Emmanuel Agbadou, who is heading to Besiktas.
Jhon Arias, who signed just last summer, is reportedly heading to Palmeiras, meanwhile.
Rob Edwards promised Wolves supporters they will see each of Angel Gomes and Adam Armstrong “at some stage”, but it is possible one or both are introduced from the bench having only arrived earlier this week.
🆕 faces in the squad pic.twitter.com/0lCXvvVPUH
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 7, 2026
That means Tolu Arokodare and Hwang Hee-chan may lead the line from the start, with star youngster Mateus Mane among the group behind them.
Wolves predicted XI (3-5-2): Sa; Mosquera, S Bueno, Krejci; R Gomes, J Gomes, Andre, Mane, H Bueno; Arokodare, Hee-chan
Doubts: Ladislav Krejci
Injured: Toti Gomes
Wolves vs Chelsea match odds
13:05 , Alex DakersWolves to win: 7/2
Chelsea to win: 8/13
Draw: 12/5
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
13:00 , Alex DakersChelsea have won each of their last four meetings with Wolves, scoring 16 goals in the process.
That includes a 3-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in November.
Wolves wins: 43
Chelsea wins: 48
Draws: 30
Wolves vs Chelsea prediction
12:55 , Alex DakersAfter a brief New Year’s resurgence, Wolves’ dismal campaign has picked up where it left off.
Now winless in four, they are 18 points adrift of safety with 14 matches to play.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are pushing for the Champions League places and generally impressing as they do so.
Facing a Wolves side with little left to play for beyond pride, the Blues should fancy their chances.
Chelsea to win, 3-0.
Chelsea early team news: James and Neto doubts
12:50 , Alex DakersThe headline Chelsea team news for this game is that Reece James is a doubt. The Blues captain sat out the semi-final second leg loss to Arsenal, but Rosenior has revealed the defender faces a late fitness test.
The exact same is true of Pedro Neto, who was also a surprise omission against Arsenal.
Filip Jorgensen and Tosin Adarabioyo are both hoping to return to the side at Molineux, while Dario Essugo, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill are out with long-term injuries.
Jamie Gittens sustained a hamstring injury during last weekend’s comeback win over West Ham and is set for a long spell on the sidelines with a hamstring tear.
Wolves early team news: Two question marks, possible debuts
12:45 , Alex DakersRob Edwards will have nearly a full complement to choose from, with just two senior players out or doubts. One is Toti Gomes, who is recovering from a thigh injury, while Ladislav Krejci has been ill but may be available after returning to training this week.
Angel Gomes, meanwhile, could make his debut after joining on loan from Marseille on Deadline Day, and so too could former Southampton striker Adam Armstrong, who was signed to replace the outgoing Jorgen Strand Larsen.
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