Post-Match Analysis: Wolves and Chelsea play out goaless draw at Stamford Bridge.

Wolves defended resolutely to see off the Chelsea pressure and maintain a much needed clean sheet.

Hakim Ziyech of Chelsea FC and Max Kilman of Wolverhampton Wanderers in action during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on January 27, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)

By Adam Williams28 January 2021 11:49 BST

Wolverhampton Wanderers claimed a goalless draw away at Stamford Bridge, against a Chelsea team that were under the control of their new manager Thomas Tuchel.

In a rather uneventful affair, Wolves went closest against the run of play, Pedro Neto hitting the bar after clipping an effort over Eduard Mendy.

Chelsea went close on a plethora of occasions, Mateo Kovačić going closest with a curling effort from 20 yards out, putting it inches wide of Rui Patricio's goal.

Wolves' new signing Willian José came on to make his debut in the gold and black, being introduced in the 70th minute, he didn't have much of an impact until the last touch of the game, diverting a goal bound effort wide.

• Podence fails to fill Jiménez's big boots

Raúl Jiménez is still recovering from the fractured skull that he sustained back in November. Wolves are still searching for a competent replacement for the Mexican. Nuno Espírito Santo did reveal in his pre-match press conference that he is confident that Jiménez will make a much-needed return to his squad before the end of the season.

Daniel Podence started this game up top for Wolves, making his first appearance after a brief spell on the side-lines, after a hamstring injury.

Willian José did well with chances that he had, holding the ball up well and providing the important clearance in the last minute, Nuno will be hoping that José can take up some of the burden left behind by Jiménez.

Nuno will have a decision to make in Wolves' next game, as to who starts up front, away at Selhurst Park against a Crystal Palace side that Wolves beat 1-0 in the FA Cup earlier in the month.

• New-found Defensive solidity.

After their recent switch to a four at the back Nuno decided to go back to what his squad knows best and go with a five at the back for this game. It was their first clean sheet in the last 13 games.

Wolves looked a lot stronger in defence with Conor Coady, Willy Boly and Max Kilman back together in the back five formation. All three of them protected Rui Patrício in the Wolves goal, giving him little to do in the match.

KIlman returned to the Wolves starting line up in the Premier League for the first time since their 1-0 loss to Manchester United in late December, adding some much needed defensive security having a solid game.

• Kilman returns to the first team to frustrate Tuchel's men.

With Wolves reverting back to the back five that they have become accustomed to using, they managed to frustrate Chelsea's front men. With players like Hakim Ziyech and Olivier Giroud starting for the Blues.

Kilman started after impressing in the FA Cup against Chorley in the same centre back trio, after losing his place in the team he came back in last week and carried on his form today gaining plaudits from the Wolves faithful.