Wolverhampton Wanderers upped the festive feeling on the gold side of the Black Country with a hard fought victory over a Chelsea side who have spent over a Billion in transfer fees in the last 18 months.
Fortune favoured Wolves in the first half, which you’d have to say they were owed after the stinkers they’ve been on the end of so far this season. However, Gary O’Neil’s side stepped up and were the better side in the remaining 45 minutes.
Jose Sa
Recovered well from selling Joao Gomes short when Sterling really should have squared for a team mate. Never really looked settled, but just about did what was required. 6/10
Max Kilman
The gifted defender was having a decent game but looked a little flat footed for the Chelsea goal. Having him in the right allows him to use his left foot for more creative purposes where he picked out Hwang in the first half. 7.5/10
Craig Dawson
Not his best game in Wolves shirt and like a few it took a while to come to terms with Chelsea. Got himself injured when colliding with Sa after a heroic block to deny Sterling. He’s been a huge player on the last 12 months, so hopefully the injury is very short term. 6.5/10
Toti Gomes
After a recent drop in form, it was a performance that was back to the standards he’d set himself in the games against Man City, Spurs & Villa. The Portuguese looks way more comfortable when part of a back three and especially when he has Air-Nouri next to him. Unlucky not to score and a brilliant goal line clearance. 7.5/10
Nelson Semedo
It was a tough start to the game, but facing a reborn Sterling was never going to be easy, but the fact the former City man changed sides later in the game only for Mudryk to fail as well should be seen as a big win for Semedo. 7/10
Rayan AIt-Nouri
A welcome return to the starting XI and his inclusion makes such a difference to Wolves, particularly with how much more comfortable Toti looks and in attacking areas on the left where his natural talent and incredible football are such an asset to the team. He’s going to be missed in January. 7.5/10
Joao Gomes
From start to finish the Brazilian never stopped and his partnership with Lemina was again the driving force behind another big win for Wolves. He loves a midfield battle and the way he celebrates great challenges is such a joy to watch. Played his part in the second goal with a nice ball to Hugo Bueno. 8.5/10
Mario Lemina
Super Mario was absolutely tremendous. Guts, heart, fight, quality and a relentless hunger throughout, it was another excellent all round midfield performance from Wolves player of the season so far. Clearly and understandably emotional about his ill father, it makes that performance even more impressive with that on his mind. 9/10
Pablo Sarabia
Another assist from a much improved corner delivery. Tried to be involved but like all of Wolves front line, they struggled to make much impact against a very physical Chelsea defence. 6.5/10
Matheus Cunha
Another heart on his sleeve performance, but very little in terms of attacking impact on the game. No doubt played his part with another huge shift, but never really looked like hurting the visitors. 6/10
Hwang Hee Chan
As always he defended from the front and pressed when the opportunities presented themselves. One dangerous moment in the second half that resulted in a corner but little change from Pochettino’s side. 6/10
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Subs
Santi Bueno – Solid enough – 7/10
Tommy Doyle – Helped see the game out – 6.5/10
Hugo Bueno – Won the ball back for Wolves second goal and had the assist – 7/10
Matt Doherty – Like the old days, right place at the right time – 7/10