Chelsea recorded a 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers to end a five-game winless run in the Premier League.
The Blues came into the contest with aspirations of claiming their first league win since edging out Brentford via a 2-1 scoreline in the middle of December.
Tosin Adarabioyo scored his first Premier League goal for the Blues to get up and running, only for a Robert Sanchez error to hand Matt Doherty an equaliser in first-half stoppage time.
Fortunately for the Chelsea goalkeeper, his error did not prove too costly as the Blues flexed their muscles in the second period to take the game away from Vitor Pereira's side.
Marc Cucurella restored the host's slender advantage, before Noni Madueke tapped in on the line from Trevoh Chalobah's goalbound effort, denying the defender a goal to celebrate in his first game back from his Crystal Palace loan spell.
The win moves Enzo Maresca's charges into the top four of the Premier League table, while Wolves are hovering just above the drop zone on goal difference.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Chelsea knew this was a great opportunity to get their top-four bid back on track after experiencing an underwhelming run of form.
The Blues may have been fearing more dropped points when Wolves restored parity before the break, but in truth, they were a cut above their opponents in the second half and ultimately deserved the reward of three points.
Crucially, the result gives the Blues a timely confidence boost ahead of Saturday's crucial clash against a Man City side that are just two points behind them in fifth position.
As for Wolves, the new manager bounce is well and truly over, having lost three consecutive league matches since beginning Pereira's tenure with seven points from three games.
The Wolves boss will be concerned by the fact his side shipped three goals for a third league game in a row, highlighting a key issue that needs to be solved if they are to avoid the drop.
CHELSEA VS. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS HIGHLIGHTS
Adarabioyo goal vs. Wolves (24th min, Chelsea 1-0 Wolves)
Tosin gives Chelsea the lead! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/14UHmRDi4T
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 20, 2025
Chelsea take the lead at Stamford Bridge. A corner finds its way to Reece James, who sees his shot deflect into the path of Adarabioyo. The defender controls the ball before slotting past Jose Sa, only to see his celebrations cut short by the assistant's flag. However, Adarabioyo was ultimately given the chance to celebrate properly after a VAR review confirms he was onside.
Doherty goal vs. Wolves (45+5 min, Chelsea 1-1 Wolves)
"Sanchez was all over the place!" 😲
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 20, 2025
Matt Doherty capitalises on a mistake from the Chelsea keeper! 🐺 pic.twitter.com/stV8EnyjfU
Disaster for Chelsea and Sanchez. The Chelsea goalkeeper gets two hands to Cunha's inswinging corner, but his decision to attempt a catch rather than punch proves costly. Sanchez ultimately fails to gather the ball, presenting Doherty with the chance to poke the ball home from close range.
Cucurella goal vs. Wolves (60th min, Chelsea 2-1 Wolves)
Marc Cucurella puts Chelsea back in front! 💫 pic.twitter.com/2aWb8gculH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 20, 2025
Cucurella restores Chelsea's advantage on the hour mark. The Spain international controls the ball down from Kiernan Dewbury-Hall's flick-on, before squeezing the ball into the bottom corner to score his third goal of the season.
Madueke goal vs. Wolves (66th min, Chelsea 3-1 Wolves)
Noni Madueke loves scoring against Wolves! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/RXOICqc95Y
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 20, 2025
Chalobah towers high at the far post to meet Palmer's deep corner, sending his header towards the corner of Sa's goal. However, Chalobah had to settle for an assist rather than a goal, as Madueke nodded the ball over the line to put his name on the scoresheet.
MAN OF THE MATCH - TREVOH CHALOBAH
© Imago
After being recalled from his loan spell at Palace, Chalobah slotted in seamlessly into Chelsea's backline, vindicating the club's decision to bring his back in the middle of the season.
The 25-year-old finished the game with a 96% pass accuracy, seven clearances, three interceptions and two recoveries.
The centre-back also won six of his eight duels in a strong defensive display which surely cements his place in Maresca side for the coming weeks.
CHELSEA VS. WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS MATCH STATS
Possession: Chelsea 63%-37% Wolves
Shots: Chelsea 19-9 Wolves
Shots on target: Chelsea 7-4 Wolves
Corners: Chelsea 3-6 Wolves
Fouls: Chelsea 8-14 Wolves
BEST STATS
4 - Only Arijanet Muric (5) has made more errors leading to goals among players in the Premier League this season than Robert Sánchez (4). Prone. pic.twitter.com/9i2sHaTwIY
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 20, 2025
Cole Palmer is the first player to create 60+ chances this PL season. pic.twitter.com/SuL2LU4oCb
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) January 20, 2025
WHAT NEXT?
After claiming their first league win of 2025, Chelsea will look to make it back-to-back victories in Saturday's tricky home fixture against Manchester City.
Wolves will attempt to bounce back from three consecutive defeats when they welcome Arsenal to Molineux on Saturday afternoon.
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