Wolves 2-1 Chelsea: Matt Doherty’s Goal Secures Triumph

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.

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.