Chelsea moved into the Premier League’s top four with a 3-1 home win over Wolves after second-half goals from Mark Cukurella and Noni Madueke saved goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s blushes.
The Chelsea goalkeeper’s howler in the corner allowed Matt Doherty to cancel out Tosin Adaraboyo’s opener in the first half.
But the Spaniard had compatriot Cukurela to thank as he restored Chelsea’s lead in the 60th minute before Madueke gave the Blues a two-goal cushion just five minutes later.
But Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca defended Sanchez, saying Sky Sports“The fourth mistake that leads to a goal, and how many times has he saved us, I think more than four.
“There is no problem, mistakes happen with him, with forwards, central defenders… No problem, Robert feels good.”
Despite Sanchez’s error, Maresca’s side ended a five-game winless run in the league to move up to fourth, two points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City, while Wolves’ third consecutive remain above the relegation zone on goal difference after their defeat in the league.
Virtual Pereira’s side were undone once again as they conceded a first-half corner after VAR overturned an offside decision against Tosin as he pounced on Rhys James’s cross and Mathews Cunha played the defender.
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Rhys James’ deflected shot found Tosini, who was initially offside, only for VAR to overturn the decision and award the goal.
Sanchez’s brace then allowed Wolves to equalize in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time when he chipped the ball in at the near post and Doherty headed home.
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Matt Doherty takes full advantage of a Robert Sanchez error to equalize for Wolves
But after Cukurella pulled Chelsea back from close range in his 100th Premier League game, another spell of play led to the Blues’ goal when the impressive Trevo Chalobah, back from his Crystal Palace loan, rose to the top and headed home fell: for Madueke to go home.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall pounces on Noni Madueke’s cross for Mark Cukurela to finish and put Chelsea ahead again against Wolves.
Wolves’ defensive woes continue under Pereira as they now have the most goals (51) and most goals conceded (19) in the Premier League this season.
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Wolves strike again as Madueke tees up Trevo Chalobah to head home to extend Chelsea’s lead.
Little one. Just hit it, Sanchez!
Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit speaking Monday night football:
“I don’t know why he didn’t hit the ball, he tried to catch it, he should have.
“He was under pressure. He was so close to his own line, so it was a risk (to catch it). If you want to be safe, just hit the ball.”
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After his blunder against Wolves, take a look at four of Sanchez’s mistakes that have led to goals this season.
Karra: Sanchez is a bottom half goalkeeper
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher speaking Monday night football:
“Every pitch is the same now, when people are trying to block the goalie. He’s putting somebody away, so now he’s got time on it. He’s just got to punch it.
“He’s a Premier League goalkeeper. It’s not a foul, there’s nothing there.
“We continue to get signs that Sanchez is a Premier League goalkeeper, but perhaps for a bottom-of-the-table team rather than a top-flight side.”
Maresca. Overall performance is good despite the bump
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca to: Sky Sports:
“The first 40 minutes we were the best. The game was very good. completely dominating the game, goals, chances. Then the last five minutes, what happens many times in the last four or five games. We lost a little bit of confidence, conceded a little bit.
“We started the second half quite well and after the second and third goals the game was under control.
“They did fantastic, and I think everyone else, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who was out for a long time. I think the performance was good. Then, tomorrow we will start thinking about (Manchester City), which will be a difficult game for sure.
“In the last five games we created a lot of chances and didn’t score. We scored three goals tonight.”
Pereira: We have moments of confidence and moments without
Wolves boss Victor Pereira to: Sky Sports:
“We faced a strong team, with players who can create chances. We didn’t start the game the way I like, we defended a lot in the low block, we had problems with passing in the penalty area. good decision.
“After we started to be more compact, we started to create problems. We started the second half not the way I like it.
“We have moments where we play with confidence and others where we lose confidence and that’s something we have to change.”
Chalobah shines on return to Chelsea
Sky Sports News’ Gail Davies at Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea have lacked dominance and attacking intent in recent games, but Maresca doesn’t care. His team took their chances and picked up their first win since mid-December.
Speaking of taking chances, Chalobah grabbed a very competent performance on his return to the club and almost had a goal to show for it, alongside Tosin, who led the Wolves attack well.
Sanchez’s blunder aside, Chelsea looked comfortable after faltering at the end of the first half.
“A word about Kukurella” his goal eased the nerves in the crowd on 60 minutes, scoring Chelsea’s second goal when he started and finished a move.He can irritate the players against him, but he works so hard and finished the evening in midfield.
“Chelsea is regaining that winning feeling in the league. it takes them up to fourth place and they can now look forward to the big game at Manchester City on Saturday night, live on Sky Sports.
Saturday, January 25 at 5:00 p.m
Start: 17:30
