Chelsea ended their five-game Premier League winless streak with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Wolves, aided by Trevoh Chalobah's impactful return and Marc Cucurella's decisive second-half strike, but questions remain over Nicolas Jackson's lack of goals.
Chelsea returned to form with a crucial 3-1 victory over Wolves, a must-win game to reignite their top-four hopes. The result was far from straightforward, with defensive lapses and VAR drama adding to the tension, but standout performances from Trevor Chalobah and Cole Palmer ensured the Blues got the job done.
First Half: Fast Start, Familiar Frustrations
Chelsea began brightly, dominating possession and creating early chances. Cole Palmer, pulling the strings in midfield, orchestrated some slick switching play to stretch Wolves’ defense. Trevor Chalobah, back in the starting XI, played a delightful ball over the top that almost led to a goal after a defensive mix-up by Wolves.
From the resulting corner, Reece James fired a low shot that deflected to Tosin Adarabioyo, who coolly finished. The linesman’s flag went up, but VAR intervened to rightly award the goal. Chelsea were 1-0 up and in control.
Frustration was palpable, another Sanchez error gifting the opposition a goal.
However, as so often this season, the Blues retreated after taking the lead, inviting Wolves to grow into the game. In the dying moments of the half, disaster struck. Wolves dangerman Matheus Cunha forced a save from Robert Sanchez, who fumbled the ball into Matt Doherty’s path for a tap-in. 1-1 at halftime, and the frustration was palpable, another Sanchez error gifting the opposition a goal.
Second Half: Pressing and Precision
Chelsea started the second half with renewed energy, pressing Wolves high and pinning them back. The equaliser before halftime seemed to spark the Blues into action. Noni Madueke delivered an excellent inswinging cross that found Marc Cucurella sliding in to restore Chelsea’s lead at 2-1.
With momentum firmly in their favor, Chelsea stepped on the gas. Palmer’s precise cross found Chalobah, whose header was deftly flicked over the line by Madueke for 3-1. The third goal finally provided some breathing room, as Chelsea’s attack looked lively and full of intent.
Jackson, desperate to rediscover his scoring form, thought he had added a fourth with a composed finish, only for the offside flag to deny him. The striker’s movement and finish were encouraging signs, even if the goal didn’t stand.
Final Thoughts
Chelsea held firm to secure the 3-1 victory, a much-needed confidence boost ahead of a daunting trip to Manchester City. Chalobah’s return to the lineup coincided with a solid defensive display, aside from the Sanchez error, and his contribution at both ends earned him a well-deserved Man of the Match award.
While the win was vital, concerns remain over Sanchez’s reliability and the team’s tendency to sit back after taking the lead. With Forest likely to slip up in the race for the top four, Chelsea must capitalise and build on this momentum.
City away looms large, but as Chalobah’s last return to the side proved, his presence has historically sparked winning runs—fans will hope history repeats itself.
Up the Chels!
