Christopher Nkunku’s inaugural goal for Chelsea failed to salvage his team from defeat as Wolves clinched a well-deserved victory at Molineux on Christmas Eve.
Following a closely contested first half, Mario Lemina found the net with a header in the 51st minute to break the deadlock. Despite sustained pressure from Chelsea, Wolves held their ground, and substitute Matt Doherty crucially doubled their lead in second-half stoppage time.
Nkunku managed to narrow the deficit by nodding in a cross from Raheem Sterling, but the Blues couldn’t secure an equalizer. Wolves, now level on points with Chelsea, moved up to the 11th position in the league standings.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
Key Moments:
– Chelsea, missing their usual midfield duo of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, began brightly with Lesley Ugochukwu partnering Conor Gallagher. Lemina intervened smartly to thwart Armando Broja’s attempt after a skillful run from Raheem Sterling.
– In the 11th minute, Malo Gusto’s cross eluded Broja, and Gallagher’s shot was blocked by Joao Gomes. A promising opportunity was squandered when Nicolas Jackson had a poor first touch.
– Goalkeeper Jose Sa made a crucial save after Sterling’s solo run, choosing to shoot rather than pass to teammates on either side.
– Wolves posed more threat toward the end of the first half, with Craig Dawson and Hwang Hee-chan having chances, but the South Korean’s attempt went well wide.
– Lemina issued a warning with a header held by Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Djordje Petrovic, before connecting with Pablo Sarabia’s set-piece to score.
– Mauricio Pochettino introduced attacking substitutes Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk as Chelsea intensified pressure. Nkunku’s shot was cleared off the line by Toti Gomes.
– Despite Nkunku’s impact, Wolves added a second goal as Doherty capitalized on a cross from Hugo Bueno, bouncing off Benoit Badiashile.
– Nkunku managed to score his first Premier League goal by heading in unmarked from Sterling’s cross, but Wolves held on to secure the victory.