Wolves overcame a wasteful Chelsea side 2-1 on Christmas Eve as Gary O’Neil’s side returned to winning ways at Molineux.
Mario Lemina opened the scoreline before substitute Matt Doherty made it 2-0 in added time. Chelsea quickly got a goal back but O’Neil’s side managed to see the result out to go level with the visitors.
Wolves are now unbeaten in their last eight games at Molineux with Chelsea now becoming the latest side to fall in West Midlands.
Below we rate the players after their latest win with multiple players standing out.
GK – Jose Sa – 7/10
Made a fantastic save to keep the scores level when Joao Gomes gave the ball away. Almost made a massive mistake at the end of the first half after he dropped the ball but quickly recovered. Relieved a lot of late pressure with some good catches.
RWB – Nelson Semedo – 7/10
Played well overall. Up against Raheem Sterling, Semedo initially struggled before eventually completely locking the winger out in the second half.
CB – Max Kilman – 6/10
Played well and looked like he might oversee Molineux’s second clean sheet this season. However, poor marking between himself and Santiago Bueno allowed Chelsea back into the game. Luckily, it came to nothing.
CB – Craig Dawson – 7/10
Had a great game at the back. Dawson was more than willing to throw his body on the line and this was proven as he saved a goal with a great block before being forced off injured.
CB – Toti Gomes – 8/10
Was a calm presence on the left side of the defence. Didn’t really put a foot wrong throughout despite an abundance of Chelsea chances. The defender was in the right place at the right time to clear the ball off the line just after the hour mark.
LWB – Rayan Ait-Nouri – 7/10
Back in the line-up after his injury and back to his usual tricky self. Pushed Wolves forwarded and provided a real threat on the left-hand side.
CM – Mario Lemina – 9/10
Lemina might well be one of the best midfielders in the league this season. Early on, he was forced to make a vital tackle to stop the visitors from opening the scoring early on. Lemina was everywhere and made some great interceptions to help keep Chelsea under pressure. Then, early in the second half, he popped up with a great header to put the hosts in front.
CM – Joao Gomes – 7/10
Made a terrible mistake which should have led to the opener as he lost the ball in no man’s land. Luckily, Sa was ready to make a great save. Almost scored a rare goal at the start of the second half when his shot deflected just wide. Otherwise, had a great game in the middle with Lemina and cut out plenty of Chelsea’s threats.
RW – Pablo Sarabia – 6/10
Created a few good chances for the hosts mainly in the first half. After Wolves scored, his presence was felt less until he was eventually subbed off for Tommy Doyle.
ST – Matheus Cunha – 6/10
Wasn’t as good as he has been in recent matches but still provided a decent focal point up top. As Chelsea began to dominate in the late stages, Cunha had to do more to provide a serious threat on the counter.
LW – Hwang Hee-Chan – 6/10
Missed a golden chance right at the end of the first half as he scooped an effort over the bar after being played through. Pressured the Chelsea backline well in the second period seeking another mistake.
Sub – Santiago Bueno – 6/10
Should have marked better for Chelsea’s late goal which caused Wolves a lot of unneeded late pressure.
Sub – Tommy Doyle – 6/10
Had a solid impact from the bench and almost scored his first Wolves goal as he forced the ‘keeper into a good save.
Sub – Hugo Bueno – 7/10
Came on and grabbed a very important assist to put the game out of sight.
Sub – Matt Doherty – 8/10
Netted a vital goal to put the game to bed. Chelsea was pilling on the pressure but Doherty popped up in the box which turned out to be the winner.