Chelsea ended their winless streak in the Premier League with a much-needed 3-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Monday night. The Blues took the lead through Tosin Adarabioyo, only for Matt Doherty to equalize before halftime. However, quick goals from Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke in the second half ensured Chelsea claimed their first league win of the year.
Here are the positives and negatives from the match:
Positives
1. Trevoh Chalobah's Return
Ahead of the season, Chelsea’s hierarchy had made it clear that Trevoh Chalobah had no future at the club. Unable to find a buyer, he was loaned to Crystal Palace. However, injuries and a leaky defense forced Chelsea to recall Chalobah, and he made an instant impact. Starting his first game back, Chalobah won the Man of the Match award.
Defensively, Chalobah was solid. Only Reece James and Moisés Caicedo won more duels, and no player won more aerial battles. He led the charts in interceptions and was second in clearances. Only Tosin Adarabioyo completed more accurate passes. Chalobah nearly marked his return with a goal, heading a Cole Palmer corner towards the net. However, Noni Madueke tapped it in just before the ball crossed the line, denying Chalobah a deserved moment.
2. Reece James
Injuries have plagued Chelsea’s captain, but when fit, Reece James reminds fans why he’s considered one of the best right-backs in the world. Against Wolves, James completed 15 final-third passes, nine more than the next-best player, and created two chances.
Beyond the stats, James gave Chelsea dominance on his flank, contributing to Tosin Adarabioyo’s goal after his shot deflected off Wolves’ defense. Chelsea desperately needs their captain to stay fit for the rest of the season.
3. Tosin Adarabioyo
The English defender scored Chelsea’s opener, marking his third goal of the calendar year after a brace against Morecambe in the FA Cup. Adarabioyo’s quick reactions ensured he converted a loose ball in the box, outpacing the Wolves’ defense.
Defensively, Adarabioyo also excelled, leading the team in accurate passes and making key interventions.
4. Back in the Top Four
Chelsea reclaimed their spot in the Premier League’s top four after briefly slipping out last week. With a daunting visit to Manchester City looming, it was vital for the Blues to capitalize against Wolves.
Despite Chelsea’s struggles in recent matches, Enzo Maresca’s side must now build on this win. Dropping points against City could jeopardize their Champions League aspirations.
5. Marc Cucurella's Goal
Marc Cucurella was once again on the scoresheet for Chelsea. Operating as an inverted left-back, he frequently moved into central areas to support Moisés Caicedo but also advanced high up the pitch to add depth in attack. One such foray saw him inside the penalty area, leading to Chelsea regaining the lead. When the ball reached his feet after a clever nudge by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Cucurella had little time to react. Yet, the Spaniard displayed great composure and intelligence to ensure his effort found the back of the net, showcasing his versatility and attacking instincts.
Negatives
1. Robert Sánchez
Robert Sánchez continues to be a liability in goal. Once again, he showcased all the flaws in his game. In the first half, Sánchez’s careless distribution gifted possession to Wolves. Worse, his failure to secure the ball led to Matt Doherty’s easy equalizer, as the goalkeeper left the ball on the goal line instead of clearing it.
Chelsea fans and outfield players deserve better. Yet, Enzo Maresca persists in defending Sánchez, claiming he “saves more” than he concedes, a statement that rings hollow given his repeated errors. Chelsea must address their goalkeeping situation urgently, as Filip Jorgensen is a far more reliable option.
2. Noni Madueke
Despite scoring, Madueke’s performance left much to be desired. His goal, in reality, was a theft of Trevoh Chalobah’s effort, as Madueke tapped in a ball that was already heading into an empty net.
While his cross led to Cucurella’s goal, moments of brilliance like these are rare in Madueke’s game. He often opts for speculative shots over smarter decisions, playing as if he’s a world-class finisher like Mohamed Salah or Cole Palmer.
Against Bournemouth, Madueke was equally poor, and retaining his place in the starting XI seemed undeserved. On Monday, he had 14 touches in Wolves’ penalty box, more than any other player, but failed to produce meaningful results.
3. Nicolas Jackson
Once again, Nicolas Jackson failed to deliver. In the first half, he had an opportunity to run through the Wolves’ half but lacked any sense of direction upon reaching the penalty area. Jackson also missed the game’s biggest chance, highlighting his inefficiency as a striker.
Chelsea’s struggles in recent matches can be partly attributed to Jackson’s inability to convert chances. For the Blues to compete at the highest level, they need a clinical forward, a role Jackson has repeatedly shown he cannot fill.