Chelsea ended their winless streak with a 3-1 victory over Wolves, a result that brought relief and restored some confidence at Stamford Bridge. The game, however, was far from smooth sailing for Enzo Maresca’s side, who had to overcome their own inconsistencies to secure the win.
The first half showcased Chelsea’s familiar struggles. Despite taking an early lead through Tosin Adarabioyo, who calmly converted after a corner clearance fell to him, their performance lacked composure. Wolves, though mediocre overall, capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive frailties just before halftime. A corner from Matheus Cunha exposed the uncertainty in Robert Sánchez’s goalkeeping, as his weak attempt to clear led to Matt Doherty poking the ball in from close range. It was another moment that raised questions about Sánchez’s reliability as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Chelsea’s lineup reflected the challenges posed by injuries in key positions. With Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana unavailable, Trevoh Chalobah, recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace, stepped into the defense. He made a critical early intervention to deny Wolves a chance on goal. In midfield, the absence of Enzo Fernández and Roméo Lavia gave Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall his first league start since joining the club, while Reece James, making only his fifth start of the season, showed signs of vulnerability.
Despite their troubles, Chelsea’s attacking intent remained evident. Noni Madueke was a lively presence on the right flank, frequently troubling Rayan Aït-Nouri. Cole Palmer, despite dealing with a sore ankle, tested Wolves’ goalkeeper José Sá and orchestrated attacks with his passing. However, a lack of composure in the final third often let Chelsea down.
The second half saw a more assertive Chelsea. Marc Cucurella restored their lead after an hour, finishing from close range following a clever flick-on by Dewsbury-Hall from Madueke’s cross. The goal marked a turning point, as Chelsea regained their rhythm and began to control the game more effectively.
Their third goal came from a set piece, an area where Wolves have struggled all season. Palmer’s corner to the far post was headed goalwards by Chalobah before Madueke ensured it crossed the line, sealing the victory.
Chelsea’s improved second-half display allowed them to ease off in the final stages, leaving Wolves to reflect on their defensive shortcomings. For Chelsea, the win was enough to lift them into fourth place, ahead of a challenging visit to the reigning champions on Saturday. While issues remain, particularly in goal, this result offered a glimmer of hope for Maresca’s side as they aim to build momentum.
