A dominant second-half performance propelled Chelsea to a 3-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge, ending their five-game winless run in the Premier League. The Blues moved into the top four as they delivered a statement of intent following weeks of inconsistent form.
Having conceded Tosin Adarabioyo’s early opener to a well-timed Matt Doherty equalizer, Chelsea rallied in the second half with quickfire goals from Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke. The victory puts them two points ahead of Manchester City and Newcastle United, solidifying their position among the league’s elite.
Chelsea’s Inconsistencies Remain
Chelsea made five changes to their starting lineup, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s first Premier League start since his summer move from Leicester City. The hosts began brightly, registering four shots in the opening five minutes. Cole Palmer came closest during the early exchanges with a powerful drive that was parried by Wolves keeper Jose Sa.
The breakthrough came when Tosin Adarabioyo controlled the ball on his thigh and slotted home his first Premier League goal for Chelsea. Though initially ruled offside, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) overturned the decision, with Matheus Cunha’s positioning playing Tosin onside.
However, Chelsea’s momentum faltered. Wolves, who had offered little in the first 30 minutes, capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive lapse. Doherty’s equalizer—a sharp header—came after sustained pressure and a mistake by Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. Sanchez misjudged a delivery from Cunha and attempted to catch rather than punch clear, leading to his fourth error resulting in a goal this season.
Despite these setbacks, Chelsea regained control after halftime. Cucurella, marking his 100th Premier League appearance, scored from close range after Madueke’s cross was flicked on by Dewsbury-Hall. Moments later, Madueke headed home following Trevoh Chalobah’s assist from a corner. Chalobah returned to the squad after his loan stint at Crystal Palace.
Nicolas Jackson’s disallowed goal in the second half highlighted Chelsea’s continued struggles in the attacking third, with the striker now six games without a Premier League goal. Manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged Jackson’s form as an area requiring improvement.
Pereira Unimpressed by Cunha’s ‘Body Language’ Amid Set-Piece Concerns
Wolves delivered a lackluster performance, failing to register a second-half shot until the 79th minute. After securing seven points from his first three games, manager Vitor Pereira has now endured three consecutive defeats, leaving Wolves hovering just above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Defensive set-pieces remain a critical vulnerability for Wolves, who have conceded a league-high 19 goals from such situations this season. With upcoming matches against Arsenal, Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Bournemouth—all top-eight teams—Wolves face an uphill battle to climb out of danger.
Speaking post-match, Pereira expressed his dissatisfaction with Cunha’s conduct, noting the Brazilian captain’s decision to leave the field without acknowledging traveling supporters. “He’s a captain. Frustration is understandable, but as a leader, he must demonstrate resilience and support the team through effort,” said Pereira.
Pereira emphasized the need for tactical maturity and consistency, urging his side to improve both defensive structure and composure in possession. “We need to be consistent for 95 minutes. Set-pieces are a major concern, and we must address them immediately,” he added.
Key Moments and Talking Points
- Chelsea’s Second-Half Surge: Goals from Cucurella and Madueke within five minutes showcased the team’s ability to bounce back after early struggles.
- Sanchez’s Costly Mistake: The goalkeeper’s fourth error leading to a goal this season raises questions about his long-term reliability.
- Wolves’ Set-Piece Vulnerability: Conceding 19 goals from set-pieces highlights a structural flaw that Pereira must urgently address.
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