At last, Chelsea finally got to taste victory again, getting a double over Wolves in a 3-1 contest.
In their previous five matches, Chelsea only secured three points out of a possible 15.
The recurring issue noticeable was Chelsea’s inability to manage the game causing them to squander nine potential points in three of their previous five games – against Fulham, Crystal Palace and Bournemouth – where they were initially ahead and had the momentum in their favour.
Enzo Maresca’s earlier remarks about Chelsea not being in the title race – initially seen as an effort to manage expectations – started to appear strikingly accurate, as the young team often struggled to see out matches and secure all three points.
However, they’ve finally managed to cast that ghost away, showing resilience and maturity to close out games and take a significant step forward in their development.
This win doesn’t suddenly thrust them back into title contention, but it certainly moves them closer to securing a Champions League spot – a return to Europe’s pinnacle after two years away from the grand stage of club football.
Just before halftime, Chelsea appeared to be slipping back into their old habits.
Despite dominating much of the first half and being in a position to take a one-goal lead into the break, they let their guard down and conceded from a corner in the 50th minute of the first half, levelling the match at 1-1 all majorly due to an error from Robert Sanchez.
The start of the second half saw Wolves come out with even more intent, threatening to find a second goal.
However, whatever words Maresca delivered during halftime seemed to resonate deeply with his team, sparking a noticeable shift in their performance.
Improved Game Management: How Chelsea’s Smarter Approach Secured the Victory
In a span of just five minutes, between the 60th and 65th minutes, Chelsea delivered both the go-ahead goal and the sealing strike – a stark contrast to their usual lackadaisical approach after taking the lead in three of their last five games.
This time, Chelsea stayed sharp and relentless, pushing for that all-important insurance goal after Cucurella put them ahead.
It was a day for the defenders to shine, as all three goals involved contributions from the backline of Reece James, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella, stepping up when the forwards struggled to break through.
After taking a two-goal lead and with no urgent need to keep chasing the game, Maresca’s side demonstrated a growing understanding of the nuances of in-game management.
Their focus shifted to ensuring Wolves didn’t score in the next 15 minutes, effectively avoiding a tense finale.
This required dominating possession during this crucial period while maintaining solid defensive organization when Wolves managed to regain the ball.
It was a composed display of control and discipline, highlighting the team’s evolving maturity.
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Chelsea’s Lethal Attack Undermined by a Fragile Defense
Chelsea have always been a team capable of wreaking havoc in attack this PL season.
Despite their recent five-game slump, they still boast the second-strongest attacking record in the Premier League, with an impressive 44 goals scored in 22 matches.
However, if they had taken a page out of Nottingham Forest‘s defensive playbook, their title charge could have carried far more weight. Unfortunately, their porous defence has been their Achilles’ heel.
On days when their attack falters, it almost inevitably leads to draws or losses – a recurring issue that continues to haunt the London side.
Chelsea now face a daunting yet surmountable challenge as they prepare to take on a possibly revitalized Manchester City, fresh off a 6-0 demolition of Ipswich.
This fixture has delivered thrilling, goal-packed encounters in past seasons, but this time, it feels like it could be determined by the most defensive side.
Both sides boast 44 goals scored so far, with Chelsea holding a slight edge defensively, having conceded 27 goals compared to City’s 29.
The stage is set for a gripping contest, where rising to the occasion will make all the difference. Chelsea, desperate to make a statement after their season-opening loss to the defending champions, aim to become the fourth “Big Six” side to topple a resurging Manchester City.
It’s a test of grit, resolve, and whether Chelsea can prove they belong in the conversation for the season’s top challengers.