Chelsea returned to the top four of the Premier League with an ultimately comfortable win over strugglers Wolves.
Enzo Maresca’s side had gone five league games without a win but took the lead when VAR awarded a Tosin Adarabioyo effort which was originally chalked off for offside.
Chelsea then went into their shell and Wolves looked the better side for a period, capitalising in first-half stoppage time when Matt Doherty scrambled in from a corner after an error by Robert Sanchez.
Marc Cucurella puts Chelsea back in front! 💫 pic.twitter.com/2aWb8gculH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 20, 2025
But the hosts were much improved in the second half – if still far from at their best – and Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke scored in quick succession.
The win takes Chelsea above Newcastle and Manchester City and leaves Wolves only above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Chelsea exploit Wolves’ Achilles heel
Wolves have now conceded 19 goals from set-pieces in the Premier League this season – by far the worst record of any team.
Twice their weakness was shown up at Stamford Bridge. First, a half cleared corner was hit back in by captain Reece James and Tosin did well to control before sidefooting in his first league goal for Chelsea.
The flag was raised but Matheus Cunha had been slow clearing his area and the former Fulham man was just onside.
Noni Madueke loves scoring against Wolves! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RXOICqc95Y
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 20, 2025
That error was nothing compared to the one Sanchez managed at the end of the half though, spilling a Cunha corner at the feet of Doherty who could not miss from a few yards out.
It was the fourth error Sanchez has made leading to a goal this season – only Arijanet Muric of Ipswich (5) has made more.
Chelsea’s second goal was the pick of the night, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall making a good run on his first league start for Chelsea and flicking on a cross which Cucurella chested down and poked in.
And moments later Trevoh Chalaboh rose well to meet Cole Palmer’s free-kick and head down, with Madueke making sure right on the line.
Chalobah impressed on his first start since being recalled from Crystal Palace but it remains to be seen where his long-term future lies.
Wolves faded badly in the second half and need to find points soon to keep their heads above water. They face Arsenal on Saturday.
