Chris Wood scored a first-half hat-trick as Burnley pummelled sorry Wolves 4-0 on Sunday to lift themselves nine points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.
Burnley was sharper and more dedicated but mid-table Wolves contributed to their own downfall with some sloppy defensive work at an empty Molineux.
The away side took the lead in the 15th minute after Wolves defender Willy Boly misjudged a header and the ball dropped to Wood.
New Zealand forward turned Conor Coady one way then the other down the right before firing the ball into the far corner of the net from an acute angle.
Burnley doubled their lead only six minutes later. Dwight McNeil captured on a sloppy pass from Adama Traore, crossing for Wood to tap home from close range.
Read Also: EPL: Arteta slams Arsenal’s home form after Everton defeat
McNeil was the provider as Wood completed his hat-trick soon before half-time, heading home a corner.
Wood, who is now Burnley’s outright top scorer in the Premier League, is the first player from New Zealand to score a Premier League hat-trick.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves began the second half more brightly but Burnley’s Matej Vydra had the ball at the internet in the opening minutes, only to have it ruled out for offside.
Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio got down to keep out a Matthew Lowton drive with 25 minutes to go as Burnley continued to pose Wolves issues.
Wood went close to a fourth in the final stages before turning provider for Ashley Westwood to thump home from the edge of their box.
The win lifts Sean Dyche’s guys to 14th at the table, nine points clear of 18th-placed Fulham with just five matches remaining, meaning they are nearly certain to guarantee a sixth consecutive season of top-flight football. Sportinglifeng
