CHRISTMAS has come early for Wolves as they have handed Chelsea their fourth consecutive away defeat this season.
Goals from Lemina and Doherty turned out to be enough for the hosts to seal all three points at Molineux.
But Christopher Nkunku Premier League debut goal made it a nervy ending for the hosts.
- RESULT: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
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- Wolves XI: Sa; Kilman, Dawson, Toti; Semedo, Lemina, Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Hwang; Cunha
- Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill; Ugochukwu, Gallagher; Sterling, Palmer, Jackson; Broja.
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Things go from bad to worse for Poch
Chelsea have now lost more Premier League games in 2023 than any other side in the top-flight.
Despite spending over £1bn on transfers, The Blues have now lost 19 games in this calendar year.
Mauricio Pochettino looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders at the full time whistle.
Credit: Reuters Festive fun for Wolves’ fans
Gary O’Neil’s side now move to eleventh in the table and are level on points with Chelsea.
Beating The Blues today will give them confidence that they can continue to make Molineux a fortress.
Having beaten Tottenham and Man City here this season, it is not proving happy hunting ground for the big sides.
Credit: Getty FT: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
Mario Lemina put in a man of the match performance for Wolves.
He scored the opening goal to give them belief that they could win this game against Mauricio Pochettino’s side.
The Gabonese playmaker covered so much ground for Gary O’Neil’s side and was pivotal to this win.
FT: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
Wolves looked like a different team in the second half.
They caused the visitors all sorts of problems defensively and carved out some really good chances.
When Chelsea pulled a goal back they will have concerned but they knuckled down and held on for the win.
FT: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
The referee brings the game to a close.
Wolves have got another big scalp at Molineux.
It will be a happy Christmas for Gary O’Neil and his team.
Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
90+10. Chelsea will be without Palmer and Sterling in their next game.
The yellow cards they have both picked up today will see them suspended.
Bueno is penalised for a foul on Madueke out wide.
Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
90+8. Suddenly it is a nervy atmosphere at Molineux.
They thought the game was done and dusted when they scored their second goal.
Thanks to Nkunku, it all hangs in the balance now.
Wolves 2-1 Chelsea
90+6. This game may not be completely over.
Madueke crosses into the box and Nkunku has a free header.
It’s a good finish by their new player as he heads into the bottom corner.
Goal – Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea)
Wolves 2-0 Chelsea
90+4. Wolves manage to double their lead.
Bueno crosses the ball and Badiashile fails to clear his lines.
Doherty is first onto it and side foots it into the net.
Credit: PA Goal – Matt Doherty (Wolves)
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
90+2. Sterling tries to work a crossing opportunity but is closed out.
He plays it to Mudueke who cuts onto his left foot and shoots.
The ball is always going away from the far post.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
90. O’Neil will feel his side have done enough to deserve this win.
They need to stay tight and get numbers behind the ball to frustrate Chelsea.
What he would give for another goal right now.
We are going to have eleven minutes added.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
88. There is going to be a lot of added time in this game.
Dawson’s injury took a long time to clear up.
Chelsea scored in added time against Newcastle, they will be hoping they can do so again.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
86. The hosts could do with another goal to kill this off.
Wolves are managing to do enough to keep Chelsea out but the threat is constantly there.
Doherty and Bueno come on for Cunha and Ait-Nouri.
Gary O’Neil looking to get some fresh legs on.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
84. Jose Sa looks to release the ball early.
He gets his kick all wrong or Wolves were clean through.
Fine margins at this level.
Credit: PA Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
82. Wolves are camped out in their own final third.
They just cannot get the ball clear, the visitors regain possession and come piling forward again.
Doyle has a shot from outside the box, on a rare counter attack, but Petrovic makes a decent save.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
80. Chelsea bring on Badiashile, Mudueke and Maatsen.
They replace Colwill, Gusto and Jackson.
Pochettino is looking to try and mix it up to find this goal.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
78. When Chelsea come forward it leaves them open to the counter attack from Wolves.
Sterling tries to cut the ball back from the byline but it is behind all the attackers and Wolves half clear.
Pochettino’s side are dominating possession now.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
76. Doyle comes on for Sarabia.
Gallagher is penalised for a foul on Hwang.
The Chelsea skipper needs to be careful, he has already been booked.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
74. Time is starting to run out for Pochettino’s side.
They need to try and get a goal to try and go on to win this game.
As it stands, it is Wolves whose game it is to lose.
Credit: PA
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
72. Chelsea are starting to turn the screw now.
The additions of Mudryk and Nkunku has given them more options.
Wolves are defending deep, looking to get numbers behind the ball.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
70. Bueno comes on for Dawson in defence.
He will be a big loss to this Wolves team.
The veteran defender leads by example in this team.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
68. Play is held up as Dawson is treated.
He is not going to be able to continue.
O’Neil gets more instructions to his team.
Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
66. Nkunku lays it off to Palmer with the hosts stretched.
He finds Sterling and as he shoots, Dawson slides in to challenge.
Dawson deflects it over the bar but seems to have injured himself in the process.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
