A dominant second-half performance saw Chelsea defeat Wolves, ending their five-game winless run in the Premier League and moving them into the top four.
After Tosin Adarabioyo’s early goal was canceled out by Matt Doherty, Chelsea surged ahead with two goals in five minutes in the second half. Marc Cucurella, making his 100th Premier League appearance, scored from close range after a cross from Noni Madueke was flicked on by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Madueke then sealed the win with a header following a corner from Trevoh Chalobah, who was playing his first game since returning from a loan at Crystal Palace.
The victory came despite an error from Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, whose misjudgment allowed Doherty to equalize in first-half stoppage time. Sanchez stepped off his line, and Matheus Cunha spotted the opportunity, delivering a cross that Sanchez failed to punch clear, leading to the goal.
This was Sanchez’s fourth error that directly resulted in a goal this season, the most in the Premier League behind Ipswich’s Arijanet Muric, and it raises further questions about his position as Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, with only one home clean sheet this campaign.
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.
