Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free
Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Chelsea moved back into the Premier League top four with a fine, and much needed, 3-1 win over Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke were enough to give the Blues their first league win in six games and propel them back into the title race. They are 10 points behind Liverpool, but Enzo Maresca’s men have ended their dip in form.
It seemed likely from the start as Chelsea pushed Wolves deep, creating chances from space on the wings and taking advantage of Vitor Pereira’s side’s weakness at defending set pieces. Tosin’s opener came from a corner and a fortuitous, deflected strike from Reece James, with the Chelsea defender keeping himself onside to poke home.
There was a scare just before half-time as Matt Doherty drew Wolves level but a five-minute flurry in the second half saw Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke turn the ball in to give Chelsea a comfortable win.
Relive Premier League action from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below:
Chelsea’s surprise ‘signing’ Trevoh Chalobah offers versatility to regain momentum with Wolves win
It was like he had never left Chelsea. Trevoh Chalobah, a familiar face around this corner of London, was summoned on a chilly night at Stamford Bridge for a team craving three points.
Enzo Maresca has been desperately searching for a performance, but most importantly a result, after five Premier League games without a win.
And after tumbling down to sixth and now poised to play the reenergised Manchester City on Saturday, Chelsea gathered vital momentum after an unspectacular 3-1 victory over Wolves.
It was Chalobah’s influence that was dearly felt by the hosts across the pitch, reestablishing their once radiant top four challenge that briefly threatened to flourish into a title tilt.
Vitor Pereira admonishes Matheus Cunha for behaviour after Chelsea defeat
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira says Matheus Cunha needs to get his mind right after the striker stormed down the tunnel at Stamford Bridge instead of acknowledging the travelling supporters.
Vitor Pereira on Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha was a frustrated character at the end of the game, storming down the tunnel and no acknowledging the away fans.
Wolves boss Vitor Pereira said: “This is something that cannot happen again, the frustration is the frustration, I understand everything, we need to be together. And together we can fix the problems and stay in the PL, if we start to complain about this and that, with this it won’t work.
“He’s committed to Wolves, but when you start to listen to the other clubs, I think he’s human, the players start to be a little bit… It’s normal in football. He needs to put the mind in the target to increase his level.
“He comes from injury, it’s normal he’s not in the same level, to help the team with his quality, he has a lot, the team needs him with good energy, not with frustration, he must slow down and put the mind in the right way.”
Matt Doherty on progress under Vitor Pereira:
“When he came in we got ourselves a few good results, got into the next round of the cup as well. But we’ve got a run of fixtures now.
“We were looking at games like this, like Newcastle, as fixtures where we could pick up some points. We have Arsenal at home next and those home games you have to be looking at getting points.
“He has come in and brought a new lease of life to a lot of the players, myself included. Maybe he gets the message across a lot better to the Portuguese speaking players – they seem to have taken to him well.
“He has done really well and we like his ideas. We just need to be better than today.”
Madueke on Chalobah’s performance:
“Unbelievable. Leadership, character, bravery on the ball.
“He slotted in seamlessly so I am delighted for him. It is no coincidence with players like him and Reece [James] back in we won the game.
“They are Chelsea through and through and they helped us tonight with their leadership for sure.”
Noni Madueke speaking to Sky Sports:
“I got the hat-trick [against Wolves] earlier on in the season and it’s another one today. I’m delighted with the three points. It’s been tough for us and I’m always happy to score goals, especially somewhat easier ones like that.
“It’s instinct. Attacker’s instinct. I knew it was going over the line. I said sorry to Trevoh after. I had to put this in the net for sure. He was saying ‘no way you took my goal’ but I said ‘you have to understand, this is what they pay me for’.”
Doherty’s love for London
Matt Doherty’s last five Premier League goals have come against London clubs, with four of them coming in the British capital.
The last time he netted against a non-London club in the Premier League was Newcastle in April 2022.
Set piece troubles
Wolves have conceded 11 goals from corners in the Premier League this season, more than any other team.
They’ve conceded 19 goals from set pieces (excluding. penalties), at least seven more times than any other side.
Chelsea up to fourth
Chelsea’s win sends them into the top four and ahead of Newcastle and Manchester City.
Enzo Maresca doesn’t believe his team are in the title race, and it seems unlikely.
The Blues are 10 points behind leaders Liverpool who also have a game in hand.
That’s a big gap to claw back but there’s still time in the season to do so.
FT Chelsea 3-1 Wolves
Source: independent.co.uk
