Chelsea beat Wolves to end their five-game winless run in the Premier League and move into the top four, after a dominant second-half display in the Sunday encounter at the Stamford Bridge, in London.
In the first-half of the match, Tosin Adarabioyo’s opener was cancelled out by Matt Doherty. However, two goals in five second-half minutes from Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke carried the hosts to victory at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella, making his 100th Premier League appearance, forced home from close range after Madueke’s cross was flicked on by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Madueke then nodded home after Trevoh Chalobah, playing after returning from his loan at Crystal Palace, climbed highest at a corner.
Those goals spared the blushes of Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez whose error allowed Doherty to equalise in first-half stoppage time.
Sanchez had moved a few yards off his line, which was spotted by Matheus Cunha, and the Brazilian swung a delicious delivery goalbound which the Spaniard attempted to claim rather than punch clear.
The error was keeper Sanchez’s fourth that has led to a goal this season – only Ipswich’s Arijanet Muric (five) has made more in the Premier League – and will lead to more questions around his selection with just one home clean sheet this campaign.
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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defended Sanchez, telling Sky Sports: “You said it was the fourth mistake [leading to a goal]? OK, and how many times did he save us? More than four. So no problem. It happens. Mistakes happen to him, the strikers, the midfielders. He is doing well.”
Tosin’s opener – which was awarded by the video assistant referee (VAR) after being ruled out for offside – came when Reece James’ effort was deflected into his path following a corner.
The victory moves Chelsea fourth, two points clear of Manchester City and Newcastle United.
Wolves, who have now conceded a league-high 51 goals, remain 17th and Vitor Pereira’s side are only outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Chelsea made five changes – including a first Premier League start since his summer move from Leicester for Dewsbury-Hall – and began brightly.
They had four shots in the opening five minutes and continued that pressure with Cole Palmer coming closest in the opening exchanges when his drive from the edge of the area was parried away by visiting keeper Jose Sa.
Their fine start threatened to go unrewarded, before Tosin did well to control on his thigh and slot home for his first Premier League goal for Chelsea.
The flag went up immediately but he was kept onside by Cunha, who had failed to push up with the rest of his defence at the back post.
Chelsea’s levels then dropped drastically and Wolves, who had offered little in the opening half an hour, took control.
Doherty’s equaliser was their first shot on target but came after a period of sustained pressure.
