In an eventful Premier League match on Christmas Eve, Wolves secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Chelsea at Molineux.
The win saw Gary O’Neil’s side level on points with Chelsea in the league table.
Despite having chances, Chelsea were unable to convert them into goals and ended up losing their fourth away game in a row, making them the team with the most losses in the Premier League in 2023.
The game started with Pochettino’s team on the front foot, with Armando Broja, Nicolas Jackson, and Raheem Sterling leading the attack.
The trio created several opportunities but couldn’t capitalise on them.
Broja hesitated when presented with a chance, Jackson failed to control the ball, and Sterling missed a one-on-one chance against Wolves’ goalkeeper, Jose Sa.
However, Wolves were also unable to take advantage of their chances, with a Mario Lemina shot being blocked by Hee-Chan Hwang, and the South Korean missing a chance himself when put through by Pablo Sarabia.
The second half started with Wolves looking more composed and dangerous, while Chelsea struggled to maintain their shape.
Thiago Silva’s error almost led to a Wolves goal, and soon after, Lemina headed in Sarabia’s corner to put the home side in front.
Wolves continued to press and had several chances to extend their lead, with Hwang going down in the box and Lemina forcing a save from Djordje Petrovic.
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However, as the game progressed, Wolves began to make their own mistakes, and Chelsea seized the opportunity to push forward in search of an equalizer.
The introduction of Christopher Nkunku gave Chelsea more impetus, and the forward had an immediate chance, which was cleared off the line by Toti.
Pochettino pushed for an equalizer, playing five forwards, but Craig Dawson’s block on Sterling’s shot resulted in an injury to his knee.
Wolves defended deeper and deeper, and Chelsea threw everything forward, but it was disorganised and chaotic.
Wolves appeared to have sealed the win when substitute Matt Doherty scored in stoppage time, but Nkunku’s late goal ensured a nervy finish.
The game ended with Wolves holding on for a well-deserved victory.
As the holiday season approaches, the pressure is mounting on Mauricio Pochettino’s position at Chelsea.
The team’s poor form and string of defeats have put the spotlight on the manager’s position, and the festive period could be a critical juncture in determining his fate at the club.
It’s a bleak Christmas for Chelsea, who will need to regroup and come back stronger in the new year.
