Wolves are out of the Carabao Cup, losing 4-3 to Chelsea at Molineux.
A response to the defeat against Burnley was required tonight, and some wondered if a return to Carabao Cup action might take away a bit of the pressure.
But Wolves once again produced a poor performance, with the damage being done in the first-half.
Wolves went 1-0 down after just five minutes, with a stray Tolu Arokodare ball finding its way to the edge of Wanderers’ own box, before being finished by Andrey Santos.
The lead was then doubled by Tyrique George, with the menacing Jamie Gittens supplying the ball from the left side.
Chelsea then got a third just before half-time, with Fer Lopez losing the ball on the edge of his own box after a poor ball to him from Jose Sa. Willian Estevao chipping the ball over Sa.
Wolves were much improved in the second-half though, with Tolu atoning for his early mistake by scoring from a Hwang Hee-chan through ball.
David Moller Wolfe got his first goal for Wolves, and then the game got chaotic.
After Liam Delap got sent off, Gittens scored from range to make it 4-2, but Moller Wolfe then struck just moments later to give Wolves late hope of taking the game to penalties. But it wasn’t to be and the focus now switches to Fulham this weekend.
Wolves player ratings vs Chelsea as David Moller Wolfe stands out in defeat at Molineux
Jose Sa – 4
Probably should have done better on the first Chelsea goal. Gave Fer Lopez an awful ball under pressure for the Chelsea third. Then conceded a fourth from range. A poor performance from Sa on his return to the starting XI.
Jackson Tchatchoua – 6
Had a very exciting run in the first-half where we saw his amazing pace, and put in a good ball. Came into it a bit more in the second-half, but was given the runaround at times by Gittens.
Matt Doherty – N/A
Got burned by Gittens for Chelsea’s second and then had to come off with an injury. Replaced by Rodrigo Gomes.
Yerson Mosquera – 5
Mosquera was all over the place at times. Might have done more to block Santos’ strike on the first goal. Completely unaware of George’s position for the Chelsea second. Improved in the second.
Toti Gomes – 4
A similar performance to Mosquera. Perhaps could have done more to stop the first Chelsea goal as the ball was worked into the middle. He and Mosquera completely lost George in the box on the second goal. Really poor throw-ins, needs to tell his teammates to come closer.
David Moller Wolfe – 8
A rare appearance for the Norwegian and was probably Wolves’ best player. Looked to be positive and put a few decent balls in. Great finish to make it 3-2 and gave Wolves hope right until the end as he scored his second. Tireless throughout. He needs to build on this.
Emmanuel Agbadou – 5
Started in midfield which was bizarre. He never looked comfortable, and was caught very high up the pitch on Chelsea’s second goal and couldn’t recover as the Blues broke away. Moved back into the defence after around half an hour. But in fairness, he was involved in both of David Moller Wolfe’s goals and was generally better in the second-half.
Joao Gomes – 6
He was trying to get on the ball and give something and looked to burst forward. Zero support for him in midfield before the introduction of Ladislav Krejci at half-time.
Fer Lopez – 4
Pereira hung Lopez out to dry tonight. Doesn’t play him for weeks, then throws him into a disjointed XI. Then has him playing in a midfield two with Gomes for the first time. Lost the ball on Chelsea’s third goal but was not helped by Sa, and he looked gutted. He didn’t play well, but you’ve got to feel for him. Replaced by Marshall Munetsi at half-time.
Hwang Hee-chan – 4
A poor performance. Gave away several silly fouls. He was also throwing his arms up in the air and showing his frustrations which was helping no one. But he did set up Tolu for his goal with a nice pass. Replaced by Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Tolu Arokodare – 6
He struggled to hold the ball up for a lot of this game. Within minutes of the contest starting, he gave the ball away carelessly which allowed Chelsea to open the scoring. Missed several chances, before taking his goal very well. It’s clear he can finish well when he has time on the ball. It’s also clear that he is a big aerial threat. You get the sense he needs a run in the team to build rhythm. Credit must go to him for plugging away after making that early mistake. Replaced by Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
Substitutes
Rodrigo Gomes – 4
Replaced Matt Doherty after Chelsea’s second goal, but was then taken off at half-time without doing much wrong. Possible injury? He must have been bitterly disappointed. Replaced by Ladislav Krejci.
Marshall Munetsi – 5
He helped to raise the intensity for Wolves.
Ladislav Krejci – 7
Provided much more steel, authority and control in midfield alongside Gomes. Why didn’t Pereira just start him next to Gomes instead of Agbadou?
Jorgen Strand Larsen – 6
Should have scored seconds after coming on. Also had a chance late on where he might have got a shot away, but let it bounce. Helped the ball on in the build up to Wolves’ third goal. Put himself about.