Chelsea earned their first league win of 2025 as they registered a comfortable 3-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Goals from Marc Cucurella, Noni Madueke and Tosin Adarabioyo wrapped up the three points for Enzo Maresca's side, while the pairing of Reece James and the returning Trevoh Chalobah were proficient in defence, limiting their opponents to very few shots on goal.
Wolves had equalised through Matt Doherty just before half-time but generated only a handful of chances. They fell apart midway through the second half, conceding two goals in quick succession and failing to trouble their opponents defence.
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Story of the match
New Wolves head coach Vitor Pereira hoped to improve on his team's 6-2 thrashing earlier in the season, oversaw by his predecessor Gary O'Neil.
Pereira had improved this record since his appointment in December but faced one of the more potent attacks in the league in Chelsea.
It was a fast opening by the Blues as they dominated possession and created several shooting chances. They often found the run of Noni Madueke, who scored a famous hat-trick in the reverse fixture, and looked dangerous once again.
Cole Palmer, always dangerous, had his team's best effort in the opening few minutes, shooting through several orange shirts and testing Jose Sa in goal; Madueke unable to turn in the rebound.
Later, some miscommunication between Sa and Matt Doherty led to a wide open chance for Pedro Neto, who could not convert against his former club.
It was Tosin Adarabioyo who finally turned in the opener for the hosts, the ball rebounding from a corner and falling to the defender, who smashed the ball in from close range.
Wolves were making an effort to defend as a unit but had almost no attacking presence - they did not have a single touch in their opponents box prior to the opener and were often hassled by the Chelsea back line.
Trevoh Chalobah was having a real positive outing as he made his first league start since returning from a loan at Crystal Palace. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was also required in midfield following injuries to Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez, and had some positive moments.
After going a goal behind, Wolves sprung into life but needed to make the most of their opportunities. Matheus Cunha squandered a pass to a wide open Pablo Sarabia, which could have resulted in an equaliser just before half time.
They increased the intensity of their press, putting the Blues under pressure - much to the delight of their travelling support.
Lo and behold, Wolves had their equaliser in added time - Robert Sanchez making a meal of a Wolves corner, allowing Matt Doherty to slide in and poke the ball home for 1-1.
Enzo Maresca's side were on the ropes, and will have been aching to hear the half time whistle.
Chelsea looked refreshed following the break, beginning the second half in a similar fashion to the first.
They restored their lead on the hour through Marc Cucurella, the Spaniard marking his 100th Chelsea appearance with a goal after a great cross by Madueke and a guiding header by Dewsbury-Hall.
Minutes later, they had a vital two-goal cushion - Chalobah rose highest from a corner and headed goalwards, with Noni Madueke guiding the ball over the line for 3-1.
With the match now swung in Chelsea's favour, Vitor Pereira rung the changes, making three substitutes. Maresca looked to solidify the result with a defensive double switch, with Malo Gusto and Axel Disasi both introduced.
Nicolas Jackson looked to have ended his goalscoring drought with a striker's run and finish, but the flag was quickly raised. At the other end, Cunha placed a wonderful curling effort towards the top left corner, requiring a touch from Sanchez to deflect the effort wide.
Chelsea's second half performance was certainly a more comfortable one, with Wolves unable to match the Blues in attack. Strand Larsen had been able to register some shots on target, but struggled to receive enough service from his team's creative players.
Tyrique George was rewarded with a league debut after impressing in the Conference League, as the Blues saw out the remainder of the match comfortably, wrapping up the win.
Player of the match - Trevoh Chalobah
At the beginning of this season, Trevoh Chalobah was told he was surplus to requirements at the club, having to train separately from the first team and eventually finding a loan move to Crystal Palace.
He was a popular figure in South London, winning approval of the manager and the fans, but was soon recalled to the Blues after several defensive injuries.
Chalobah's performance against Wolves, his first for Chelsea this season, demonstrates why the Cobham graduate deserves to remain with the first team.
Still re-adjusting to Maresca's tactical system, he was brave and committed in his tackles and blocks, whilst showing important leadership skills as one of the club's more senior squad members.
It should signal that Chelsea's homegrown talent is good enough to compete with their big money transfers.
