Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea resulted in catastrophe because the Blues fell to a 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Molineux on Saturday.
The interim boss had vowed to provide his squad a contemporary begin however there was nothing new about Chelsea, whose lacklustre efficiency was punished by an impressive first-half strike from Matheus Nunes – a second of magic in an in any other case underwhelming affair.
Chelsea had a lot of the possession within the early levels however not often seemed like making a breakthrough in a gap 20 minutes that was each entertaining and utterly devoid of incident, however Wolves ultimately settled and started to take management of issues.
Mario Lemina’s low drive from exterior the field was the primary actual scare for both facet however the first second of actual high quality got here from Nunes, whose wonderful half-volley went hovering throughout the field and into Kepa’s high nook shortly after the half-hour mark.
Former Blue Diego Costa then had an effort saved as Wolves continued to stamp their authority on proceedings, with Chelsea’s greatest alternative of the primary half coming late on as Joao Felix’s strike from vary was despatched straight in the direction of Jose Sa.
The second half started with extra vitality from Chelsea however the Blues’ gung-ho mindset led to 2 wonderful counter-attacks from Wolves, who ought to have added to their lead however made the mistaken determination on each events.
What adopted was a efficiency which might not have seemed misplaced within the Graham Potter period. Chelsea by no means seemed like breaking down Wolves, who embraced the stress and constantly cleared their traces.
There was a late name for a penalty as Christian Pulisic went to floor attempting to complete off a pleasant Chelsea transfer, however the referee was not and the VAR declined to intervene.
Chelsea would end the sport with over 60% heading in the right direction however simply Felix’s first-half strike within the shots-on-target column, summing up what was a depressing afternoon for the Blues.
GK: Jose Sa – 6/10 – Not often examined however comfy at any time when he was referred to as upon.
RB: Nelson Semedo – 7/10 – Stable defensively and had a area day up in opposition to Cucurella and Koulibaly.
CB: Craig Dawson – 7/10 – Coped properly with Havertz with out ever actually needing to get out of second gear.
CB: Max Kilman – 7/10 – Regarded extremely composed because the captain saved issues organised on the again.
LB: Toti Gomes – 7/10 – Very good at each ends of the sphere, regardless of the actual fact he isn’t even a centre-back. Actually spectacular.
RM: Matheus Nunes – 8/10 – What a aim. Had a good time up in opposition to Cucurella and capped off a powerful efficiency with an outstanding strike.
CM: Mario Lemina – 6/10 – A damaging pressure who took issues a bit of too far. Might have simply been booked greater than as soon as within the first half.
CM: Joao Gomes – 8/10 – Ran the present in midfield. Celebrated each sort out like his life trusted it.
LM: Daniel Podence – 6/10 – Some harmful strikes to maintain Chelsea on edge all through.
ST: Matheus Cunha – 6/10 – Not significantly concerned however nonetheless triggered issues along with his motion. Particular person spotlight was undoubtedly his response to Nunes’ aim.
ST: Diego Costa – 6/10 – Needed to do an entire lot of ugly work however clearly loved it.
Substitutes
Joao Moutinho (63′ for Podence) – 5/10
Hwang Hee-chan (63′ for Costa) – 6/10
Pablo Sarabia (74′ for Cunha) – 5/10
Adama Traore (74′ for Lemina) – 5/10
Nathan Collins (90′ for Nunes) – N/A
Supervisor
Julen Lopetegui – 7/10 – Constructed his complete system round controlling the midfield and lowering area, and you may’t argue with the outcomes.
GK: Kepa Arrizabalaga – 5/10 – Received his positioning mistaken for Nunes’ aim however could not do an entire lot in regards to the strike on the finish of the day.
RB: Reece James – 6/10 – Not at his greatest however nonetheless considered one of Chelsea’s strongest performers.
CB: Wesley Fofana – 6/10 – A superb sort out early on as a part of a strong displaying from the Frenchman.
CB: Kalidou Koulibaly – 5/10 – Did not encourage any confidence on the left as he struggled to take care of Wolves’ spectacular assault.
LB: Marc Cucurella – 4/10 – Fairly clearly focused by Wolves and understandably so. Poor positioning for Nunes’ opener as a part of a efficiency which did not impress at both finish of the sphere.
DM: Enzo Fernandez – 6/10 – One of many few Chelsea gamers who seemed composed in possession, however Fernandez didn’t make the distinction for his facet.
CM: Mateo Kovacic – 5/10 – Struggled to maintain up with the tempo of the sport as Wolves’ press triggered him loads of issues.
CM: Conor Gallagher – 5/10 – Introduced loads of vitality however not an entire lot else.
RW: Raheem Sterling – 4/10 – Provided little or no as Chelsea struggled to discover a means by way of. Too hesitant to drag the set off at instances.
ST: Kai Havertz – 3/10 – Actually struggled to get entangled however did not assist himself when he did get the ball. Usually performed the mistaken go or failed to identify a run.
LW: Joao Felix – 4/10 – Buzzed round aimlessly as he continued to make the mistaken determination within the ultimate third.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic (60′ for Havertz) – 5/10
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (67′ for Felix) – 5/10
Mykhailo Mudryk (67′ for Sterling) – 5/10
Ben Chilwell (67′ for Cucurella) – 6/10
Trevoh Chalobah (80′ for Fofana) – N/A
Supervisor
Frank Lampard – 4/10 – Questionable alternatives, each when it comes to personnel and system, set Chelsea as much as fail. Tried to make adjustments however could not get the outcomes.
