Chelsea beat Wolves 3-0 at Stamford Bridge to move into second place in the Premier League, further raising relegation fears for the managerless visitors.
The Blues were booed at half-time after struggling to convert their dominance into goals in the first 45, but ripped through the visitors after the break. By the time the final whistle blew, fans were in a party mood, knowing they were just six points clear of Arsenal, who played at Sunderland on Saturday.
Winless Wolves fought hard but ultimately fell behind, underscoring the scale of the task facing Rob Edwards if he permanently moves from Middlesbrough following the sacking of Vitor Pereira. After 11 games, Wolves are eight points clear of safety and their distressed supporters were chanting that they would be knocked out of the Championship.
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Maro Gusto puts Chelsea ahead with his first goal against Wolves
The unlikely goalscorer finally gave Chelsea the breakthrough six minutes into the second half. Maro Gusto scored his first career goal with a header in his 159th game of club football.
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Estevao made an immediate impact, setting up Joao Pedro for Chelsea’s second goal against Wolves.
It was also a milestone night for João Pedro. He marked his 100th Premier League appearance by scoring his second goal shortly after following a dribble and cross from Sub Estevao.
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Pedro Neto is obsessed with his former club after scoring Chelsea’s third goal against Wolves
Alejandro Garnacho crossed for Gusto’s first goal and assisted for the third, displaying explosive speed to get past Santiago Bueno before crossing for Pedro Neto to score against his old club.
It was a punishing night for the visitors, coached by manager James Collins. It could have been much worse as Marc Giu hit the post amidst many other opportunities for the hosts.
In truth, Chelsea should have snatched the game from Wolves in the first half with a good save from Sam Johnstone from Enzo Fernandes’ free-kick before Garnacho made it 1-1. A corner kick was cleared on the goal line and João Pedro dragged his shot wide.
Wolves, who sit bottom of the Premier League with just two points, will be hoping to rejuvenate during the international break. Meanwhile, Chelsea, who have had an up and down start to the season, are now in a good position before the start of a harsh winter.
Maresca: I was very happy at halftime!
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca:
“To be honest, at half-time I was very, very, very happy. The difference between half-time and the second half was that we just scored a goal.
“You have to be flexible when you don’t concede anything and create four or five chances. As I said many times, otherwise the game is always open and anything can happen.
“But luckily in the second half we scored a goal.”
On Estevao’s potential: “He’s top, he’s talented. We’re trying to help him adapt and give him the right amount of time. He’s doing great. He’s going to be a top, top player for this club in the next five to 10 years. The reason fans pay tickets is because they want to see players like Cole[Palmer]and players like Estevao.”
Analysis: Are Chelsea Premier League title contenders?
Sky Sports’ Peter Smith at Stamford Bridge:
There were boos at halftime and a standing ovation at the final whistle. There was a huge change in atmosphere at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea finally collapsed and tore apart Wolves.
Chelsea supporters also celebrated before kick-off, watching on TV screens inside the stadium as Arsenal were beaten by Sunderland. These two results leave Chelsea second in the Premier League title race, just six points behind the Gunners.
Are the world champions current Premier League contenders?
Draw a big circle around Chelsea vs. Arsenal, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on November 30th.
That could be the day Chelsea establish real momentum. Or a day when their flaws are highlighted.
Very quickly, this team becomes very polished and full of potential. Others seem stuck and lacking ideas. Cole Palmer’s return to fitness should at least contribute to the quality of the final third, but the number nine remains a challenge with Liam Delap and Mark Giu currently off the pace.
After the third international holiday of the season, the harsh and decisive winter months begin. Chelsea are in a good position, as they were at this stage last season. Will they be able to run for the crown?
Collins caretaker: Wolves players are together
Wolves interim manager James Collins:
“We felt like we had a foothold in the game. We defended well, worked hard and connected. The plan worked. The goal changed things, we were more open and they made the most of it.”
His message to Edwards, if he were to take the job, was: “Obviously it’s a tough job, but the players are together, they’re working hard on the training pitch and it’s a good place to start. Yes, we have to improve, but the season won’t be decided by Chelsea away. If they work that hard and add some quality to some of their play at times, we’ll get points.”
O’Neill: ‘Wolves need a big reset’
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Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neill has explained to David Jones why he decided not to return to Molineux to replace Vitor Pereira on Saturday Night Football.
Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neill said on Sky Sports:
“I think it’s an interesting transition they’ve gone through. Obviously they lost a big player in the period they just left. But they spent a lot of money in the last summer period. They backed Vitor (Pereira).”
“So far, this team they have put together has not been able to produce results. They are in a transition period from our group. They are a more physical group, but they were probably less technical. They will need a big reset.”
“Rob (Edwards) has already done a great job at Middlesbrough so I’m sure he sees a good opportunity here to work with this group and give them a chance of survival in the second half of the season.”
Analysis: Doomed Wolf Needs a Miracle
Sky Sports’ David Richardson at Stamford Bridge:
Former Wolves manager Gary O’Neill said the club needed a “reset”. It will take a miracle to stay in the Premier League.
All top teams with 2 points or less at this stage will be relegated. Man City (2) in 1995/96, Sunderland (2) in 2016/17, Sheffield United (1) in 2020/21 (1) and 2023/24, and Norwich (2) in 2021/22.
The last time Wolves failed to win their opening 11 games was in 1983, when they were relegated from the top flight. It is almost impossible to prevent something like this from happening again.
Rob Edwards will have to consider very carefully whether it is worth leaving high-altitude Middlesbrough for a team that can overtake him along the way.
Wolves sold their best player in the summer and with striker Jorgen Strand Larsen struggling for service and form, there is no fate in sight. There will be not only a long winter, but a long season.
