Cole Palmer’s Record Fourth Hat-Trick Ignites Chelsea’s European Push

WOLVERHAMPTON (Azat TV) – Cole Palmer etched his name into Chelsea Football Club’s history books on Saturday, February 7, 2026, scoring a record-breaking fourth Premier League hat-trick for the Blues against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium. The commanding performance, which saw Chelsea secure a vital victory, not only broke a club record previously held by legends but also provided a crucial boost to the team’s ongoing campaign for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

Palmer’s first-half treble, achieved in just 38 minutes, made him the fastest player to reach four hat-tricks for Chelsea in the Premier League era. This achievement moved him clear of iconic figures such as Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard, all of whom managed three hat-tricks during their extensive careers with the West London club. His remarkable day included two goals from the penalty spot and a well-executed finish inside the box, marking it as Chelsea’s third-fastest Premier League hat-trick, adding to his existing records for the fastest (29 minutes vs. Everton) and second-fastest (31 minutes vs. Brighton).

Cole Palmer’s Record-Breaking Performance Against Wolves

The 23-year-old England international’s sensational outing against a struggling Wolves side, who currently sit at the bottom of the league, was a stark contrast to what many had described as a recent ‘cold streak.’ Prior to Saturday’s match, Palmer had scored just five goals in 29 matches since January 2025, a significant drop from his prolific form in late 2024 when he netted 14 league goals in 21 matches. His average expected goals per game had fallen from 0.6 to 0.3, and shots per game from 3.5 to 2.7 during this period. This record-setting hat-trick, therefore, represents a significant return to form and a pivotal moment in his season.

Since joining Chelsea from Manchester City in 2023, Palmer has quickly become a pivotal player, accumulating 44 goals in 84 appearances. His impact has been profound, and his ability to deliver under pressure was on full display. Head coach Liam Rosenior expressed his satisfaction following the match, stating, “Cole is very happy. I’ve had numerous conversations with him. Our thoughts are on how we can make this team better, how he can improve and how I can help him. He loves being here and he wants to be a Chelsea player.”

Chelsea’s Champions League Ambitions Bolstered

The victory against Wolves, secured by Palmer’s heroics, is vital for Chelsea’s aspirations in a highly competitive Premier League season. The Blues entered the weekend in fifth place, just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United, and are actively contending for a UEFA Champions League berth. The ongoing UEFA coefficient race, where English teams have performed exceptionally well in European competitions, is expected to grant the Premier League an additional Champions League spot, potentially making a top-five finish sufficient for qualification.

Despite Palmer’s recent dip in form, other Chelsea attackers, notably Joao Pedro with nine Premier League goals and Enzo Fernandez with eight, have stepped up to fill the void. However, the team’s overall attacking numbers had seen a decline, dropping from an average of two goals per game during Palmer’s peak to 1.3 goals per game during his slump. The return of Palmer’s clinical edge is therefore crucial as Chelsea navigate the demanding final months of the season. Liam Rosenior’s squad also faces challenges with key injuries, as Reece James and Pedro Neto underwent fitness tests on Friday with their availability unclear, and Jamie Gittens is expected to face a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring tear.

Palmer’s Resurgence Amidst Team Dynamics

Chelsea’s squad, often criticized for its large size, has faced questions regarding its overall quality and effectiveness in the final third. While Palmer’s form had been a concern, his record-breaking performance against Wolves suggests a turning point. The team’s ability to capitalize on attacking opportunities will be paramount, especially given the tight race at the top of the Premier League table, where only five points separate Manchester United in fourth and promoted side Sunderland in eighth. Reigning champions Liverpool also trail Chelsea by just one point in sixth place, intensifying the competition for European spots.

Cole Palmer’s historic hat-trick not only underscores his individual brilliance but also provides a much-needed catalyst for Chelsea, transforming their attacking narrative and significantly enhancing their prospects in the critical pursuit of Champions League football amidst a challenging domestic campaign.