Chelsea moved into the Premier League’s top four with a 3-1 home win over Wolves after second-half goals from Marco Cucurella and Noni Madueke spared goalkeeper Roberto Sanchez blushes.
The Chelsea stopper’s curling corner allowed Matt Doherty to cancel out Tosin Adarabio’s first-time strike in first-half stoppage time.
But the Spaniard had compatriot Cucurelli to thank as he restored Chelsea’s lead in the 60th minute before Madueke put the Blues two goals ahead just five minutes later.
Enzo Maresca’s side ended a league run of five games without a win to climb to fourth – two points clear of fifth-placed Manchester City, while Wolves stayed above the relegation zone on goal difference after a third successive league defeat.
Vitor Pereira’s side were undone by the hosts once again as they conceded a first-half corner after VAR overturned an offside decision against Tosino after he scored after a deflected shot from Reece James with Matheus Cunha playing defender.
Sanchez’s shot then allowed Wolves to equalize in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time, he dropped the ball to the near post and Doherty tapped in to score.
But after Cucurella put Chelsea back in front from close range in his 100th Premier League appearance, it was another set piece that led to a Blues goal as the impressive Trevoh Chalobah, on his return from loan at Crystal Palace, stepped up the most and nodded his head down for Madueke to go home.
Wolves’ defensive woes continue under Pereira, who have now conceded the most goals (51) and conceded the most goals (19) in the Premier League this season.
Petit: Just hit him, Sanchez!
Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit speaking further Monday Night Football:
“I don’t know why he didn’t hit the ball. He tried to catch it. He should have hit it.
“He was under pressure. He was so close to his own line so it was a risk [to catch it]. If you want to be sure, to guarantee it, just hit the ball.”
Carra: Sanchez bottom half keeper
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher speaking further Monday Night Football:
“Now every combination is the same, with people trying to block the goalkeeper. He pushes someone away so now he has time to work it out. You should just hit him.
“He’s a Premier League goalkeeper. It’s not a foul. There’s nothing there.
“We keep getting signs that Sanchez is a Premier League goalkeeper – but maybe for a bottom-of-the-table team, not a top team.”
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