Chelsea’s clash with Wolves was a tale of two halves—one of frustration, the other of flair. But here’s where it gets controversial: while Alejandro Garnacho’s brilliance stole the show, Liam Delap’s first start since his return left much to be desired. Could this be a sign of things to come for the young striker? Let’s dive in.
The Blues initially struggled to break down a managerless Wolves side, and the first half ended goalless, leaving fans wondering if this would be another night of missed opportunities. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t until Garnacho’s moment of magic that the game truly ignited. His assist to Malo Gusto for the opener was just the beginning. Joao Pedro then doubled the lead with his fourth league goal, and Pedro Neto sealed the deal with a strike against his former club—a moment that sparked debate about player loyalty. Was his celebration justified?
Here’s how the Chelsea players fared, rated by Standard Sport’s Dom Smith at Stamford Bridge:
Robert Sanchez (6): A quiet night for the keeper, who kept a clean sheet without being seriously tested. Wolves’ lack of threat made his job straightforward.
Malo Gusto (8): The hero of the night. His first senior goal was a breakthrough moment, and his relentless energy never waned. A performance to remember.
Trevoh Chalobah (6): Solid but unspectacular. The Wolves attack rarely troubled him, allowing him a relatively comfortable evening.
Wesley Fofana (7): Composed on the ball, he effortlessly carried it forward, showcasing his confidence in possession.
Marc Cucurella (7): Mirroring Gusto’s work rate, he covered every blade of grass, proving his value to Maresca’s system.
Moises Caicedo (7): A midfield dynamo, he was everywhere—breaking up play and intercepting passes, though a few fouls earned him a booking.
Enzo Fernandez (7): The Argentine’s vision was on full display, as he dictated the tempo before being subbed late on.
Pedro Neto (7): Quiet until his goal, which he celebrated without hesitation. A polarizing moment—was it a sign of professionalism or disrespect?
Joao Pedro (7): Redeemed himself after an early miss by scoring his fourth league goal, thanks to a deflection from Estevao Willian.
Alejandro Garnacho (8): The man of the match. His assists for Gusto and Neto were game-changers, proving his growing influence.
Liam Delap (N/A): Struggled with the physicality of Wolves’ defense and was the first to be subbed off. A night to forget for the striker.
Substitutes:
- Estevao Willian (7): Instant impact, setting up Joao Pedro’s goal just a minute after coming on. The Brazilian teenager continues to impress.
- Reece James, Marc Guiu, Andrey Santos, Jamie Gittens (N/A): Limited time to make an impact.
Unused: Jorgensen, Tosin, Hato, Acheampong.
Food for thought: Is Garnacho Chelsea’s unsung hero, or is he just scratching the surface of his potential? And what does Delap’s performance mean for his future at the club? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
