Conor Gallagher shone in midfield as Chelsea eased to victory over Wolves
(Picture: Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Chelsea eased to a 3-0 win over Wolves as Graham Potter’s side earned their third win in a row, producing a run that they haven’t matched in over a year.
Kai Havertz opened the scoring with a looping header just before half-time, with Christian Pulisic’s dinked finish putting the Blues in complete control against a managerless Wolves side at Stamford Bridge.
Armando Broja sealed the win with his first goal for the club, cutting inside and curling a powerful finish in Jose Sa’s goal. Mason Mount got assists for both goals with Diego Costa struggling in west London before getting applause from all sides of the stadium on his first return to his former employers.
Nizaar Kinsella was there at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players...
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6
A good sweeper-keeper action from Kepa in the seventh minute. Comfortably saved Joao Moutinho’s shot in the 22nd minute.
Cesar Azpilicueta - 7
He played a combined right back and right wing back role in a hybrid system, producing a dangerous cross in the 17th minute which should have been turned in.
He continued to create through the first half before being pushed back into centre back after Reece James’s introduction. Harshly booked for a foul on Goncalo Guedes early on.
Trevoh Chalobah - 6
Had a shot in the 32nd minute after a long Azpilicueta throw. He defended solidly in Wesley Fofana’s absence.
Kalidou Koulibaly - 6
Chelsea’s leader at the back with front-footed defending. He still doesn’t seem completely comfortable in his new surroundings but a step in the right direction.
Marc Cucurella - 6
Overpowered by Adama Traore in their first duel and continued to struggle all game. He did, however, produce a good block on Daniel Podence in the 63rd minute.
Conor Gallagher - 8
Almost scored with the first effort of the game after two minutes, his direct running in the eighth minute created the second opening for Kai Havertz.
His dogged running kept the ball alive to win the corner that led to the goal, and he would have had an assist but for a good intervention by Sa in the 51st minute. Outstanding in all areas of his game, the 22-year-old was a front runner to be man of the match.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek - 7
His presence helped to create a lot of chances down the right side, linking well with Gallagher and Azpilicueta. He got a standing ovation when he came off for Mateo Kovacic.
Jorginho - 6
A vocal leader on the pitch orchestrating the press for his team in a hybrid Graham Potter system. In untypical fashion, he has a shot well saved by Jose Sa from the edge of the box midway through the first half.
Mason Mount - 8
Mount dragged a shot wide in the 20th minute when he should have done better. He missed another half-chance in the 24th minute from an Azpilicueta cross.
His wonderful cross to the far post allowed the goal to come just before half-time. His one-two with Pulisic set up the second goal, getting his first goal involvements for his club this season.
Christian Pulisic - 7
One of the players with two roles as a combined wing-back and forward in Potter’s hybrid system. He started the match quietly in just his second start of the season first impacting the game in the 20th minute to create a chance for Mount before shooting over one minute later after Loftus-Cheek’s set up.
Headed over from a good Azpilicueta cross, before producing a wonderful effort in the 31st minute to get a world class save out of Jose Sa from 25 yards out. The US men’s national team captain eventually scored with a good run off the ball and a chipped finish to make it 2-0.
Kai Havertz - 7
A good first touch deserved a better finish in the eighth minute as he swivelled and shot over Jose Sa’s bar. Slightly hesitant bearing down on Sa’s goal in a one-on-one situation which saw an attack fizzle out.
Eventually got his goal with a good looping header over Sa who had been excellent.
Substitutes
Reece James - 6
After his masterclass in Milan, James got a cameo against Wolves and continued his dominating presence on the right flank. He didn’t, however, have time to produce yet another goal or assist.
Mateo Kovacic - 6
Helped steady the game with his usual tempo-setting passing ability, but was unremarkable.
Armando Broja - 8
Operated in a front two with Havertz after coming on, securing his first goal for Chelsea and of the season.
Carney Chukwuemeka - N/A
He made his Chelsea debut against Wolves but didn’t have time to impact the game.
Hakim Ziyech - N/A
Unused ubstitutes: Mendy; Chilwell; Sterling, Aubameyang.
