Chelsea moved into the Premier League’s top four with a 3-1 home win over Wolves after second-half goals from Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke spared goalkeeper Robert Sanchez blushes.
The Chelsea goalkeeper’s screamer at a corner allowed Matt Doherty to cancel out Tosin Adarabioyo’s opener in first-half stoppage time.
But the Spaniard had compatriot Cucurella to thank as he restored Chelsea’s lead in the 60th minute before Madueke gave the Blues a two-goal cushion just five minutes later.
But Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca defended Sanchez saying Sky Sports: “The fourth mistake that leads to a goal? And how many times has it escaped us? I think more than four.
“No problem. Mistakes happen to him, forwards, center backs… No problem, Robert is doing well.”
Despite Sanchez’s error, Maresca’s side ended a five-game winless run in the league to move up to fourth – two points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City – while Wolves remain above the drop zone on difference goals after the third defeat in a row in the league.
Set-pieces were once again Vitor Pereira’s side’s undoing as they conceded a first-half corner after VAR overturned an offside decision against Tosin when he headed home Reece James’ deflected shot, with Matheus Cunha playing on the defender inside.
Sanchez’s jumper then allowed Wolves to equalize in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time as he flicked the ball in at the near post and Doherty slotted home.
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Matt Doherty takes full advantage of Robert Sanchez’s error to equalize for Wolves
But after Cucurella pulled Chelsea back from close range on his 100th Premier League appearance, it was another set piece that led to a Blues goal as the impressive Trevoh Chalobah, on his return from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, stepped up higher to lower the head. for Madueke to go home.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall taps in Noni Madueke’s cross for Marc Cucurella to finish off the move and put Chelsea back in front against Wolves.
Wolves’ defensive issues continue under Pereira as they have now conceded the most goals (51) and scored the most goals (19) in the Premier League this season.
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Wolves fall to another set-piece as Madueke pushes Trevoh Chalobah’s header over the line to extend Chelsea’s lead.
Petit: Just punch him, Sanchez!
Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit speaking in Monday Night Football:
“I don’t know why he didn’t hit the ball. He tried to catch her. He should have punched him.
“He was under pressure. He was so close to his line, so it was a risk (to catch him). If you want to be safe, to guarantee it, you just punch the ball.”
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After his mistake against Wolves, take a look at four of Sanchez’s mistakes that have led to goals this season
Carra: Sanchez a goalkeeper at the bottom
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher speaking in Monday Night Football:
“Every set is the same now, with people trying to block the goalie. He puts someone away so now he has time to deal with him. He just has to punch him.
“He’s a Premier League goalkeeper. It’s not a foul. There’s nothing there.
“We continue to get signs that Sanchez is a Premier League goalkeeper – but perhaps for a team in the bottom half of the table rather than a top team.”
Maresca: Overall good performance despite the knock
Chelsea HEAD Enzo Maresca THE Sky Sports:
“The first 40 minutes, we were on top. The performance was very good; completely dominate the game, the score, the chances. Then the last five minutes happen, what is happening many times in the last four or five games. We lost a little bit. of faith, accept the goal and fight a little.
“The second half, we started quite well and after the second and third goals, the game was under control.
“They did fantastic, Tosin and Trev. But I think all of them – also Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who was out for a long time. Overall, I think the performance was good. We’re happy to win the game Then from tomorrow we will start thinking about (Manchester) City, which will surely be a difficult game.
“In the last five games, we created a lot of chances and didn’t score. Tonight we scored three.”
Pereira: We have moments of faith and moments without
Wolves HEAD Victor Pereira THE Sky Sports:
“We faced a strong team, with players who can create chances. We started the game not the way I want, defending too much in a low block with problems to control crosses in the box. We changed wings – I think that it was a good decision.
“Once we started to become more compact, we started to play and create problems. We scored a goal. The second part – we start again not as I want.
“We have moments where we play with confidence and others where we lose confidence and this is something we have to change.”
Chalobah shines after returning to Chelsea
Sky Sports News’ Gail Davis at Stamford Bridge:
“The performance lacked the dominance and attacking intent of Chelsea’s last few games, but Maresca won’t care. His side took their chances and came away with their first league win since mid-December.
Speaking of taking chances, Chalobah grabbed it with a very composed performance on his return to the club and almost had a goal to show for it, along with Tosi, who marched the Wolves attack well.
“After a mistake by Sanchez, Chelsea looked comfortable after their wobble at the end of the first half.
“A word about Cucurella too – his goal eased the nerves in the crowd in the 60th minute, scoring Chelsea’s second goal as he started and finished the move. He can irritate those who play against him, but he works so hard and ended the evening rushing the midfield.
“Chelsea regain the feeling of winning in the league – it takes them up to fourth place and now they can look forward to a big game at Manchester City on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.”
Saturday, January 25 at 5:00 p.m
Departure at 17:30
