A poor week for Chelsea ended on a sour note as Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues were beaten at home by Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. Chelsea were humbled at Anfield by Liverpool on Wednesday, but things got worse as Wolves claimed victory at Stamford Bridge. It was a notable effort by Wolves who fell behind to a Cole Palmer goal, with Matheus Cunha starring with a hat-trick.
Matheus Cunha’s hat-trick saw an inspired Wolves claim a 4-2 win against Chelsea and complete a first Premier League double over them since 1974-75, piling further pressure on Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino.
After a cagey opening period, it was the home side who went ahead as Cole Palmer notched his 10th Premier League goal of the season, finishing coolly past Jose Sa after a defence-splitting pass from Moises Caicedo.
However, their lead lasted just three minutes as Cunha’s deflected effort levelled proceedings before Axel Disasi’s own goal put Pochettino’s side behind at half-time.
Chelsea started brightly after the break, with Raheem Sterling missing a gilt-edged chance to equalise, but things soon went from bad to worse as Cunha slammed home after excellent work from Pedro Neto to double Wolves’ lead.
The Brazilian found his third late on to pile misery on the home fans, winning a penalty after a rash challenge from Malo Gusto before converting past Djordje Petrovic.
Thiago Silva headed home for a late consolation goal but the result means Wolves leapfrog Chelsea into 10th and secure their first win at Stamford Bridge since 1979.
TALKING POINT – PRESSURE MOUNTING ON MAURICIO POCHETTINO AFTER ANOTHER WOEFUL DISPLAY
Despite all the calls for patience from the Chelsea boss, it must be getting increasingly difficult for fans to see the light at the end of the tunnel after yet another dismal defeat at Stamford Bridge.
That is now consecutive games in which Chelsea have conceded four goals and a result today which sees them drop down to 11th in the Premier League table. The Blues have shown glimpses of what they can be under Pochettino and still have a Carabao Cup final on the horizon, but the startling lack of consistency must surely be addressed sooner rather than later. With tough games against Aston Villa and Manchester City on the horizon, Pochettino must work quickly to find the magic formula.
PLAYER OF THE MATCH – MATHEUS CUNHA (WOLVES)
The Brazilian produced an all-action display to guide his side to a famous away victory in London. Playing alongside Pablo Sarabia and Pedro Neto in a fluid front three, Cunha finished his first two goals with aplomb before showing great intelligence to win a penalty and notch up a well-deserved hat-trick in front of the Wolves fans.
The 24-year-old scored just two goals in his maiden season in the Premier League but now has nine already this season and has made himself a vital cog in Gary O’Neil’s system.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea: Petrovic 6, Gusto 5, Silva 6, Disasi 5, Chilwell 7, Caicedo 6, Fernandez 6, Palmer 7, Gallagher 5, Sterling 5, Nkunku 6. Subs: Jackson 5, Chukwuemeka 6, Mudryk 6, Gilchrist 6, Badiashile 6.
Wolves: Sa 6, Kilman 7, Dawson 6, Toti 7, Semedo 6, Lemina 7, Gomes 7, Ait-Nouri 7, Sarabia 7, Cunha 10; Neto 9. Subs: Doyle 6, Bellegarde 6, Bueno n/a, Doherty n/a.
