Chelsea moved into the Premier League’s top four with a 3-1 home win over Wolves after second-half goals from Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke spared goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s blushes.
The Chelsea shot-stopper’s howler at a corner allowed Matt Doherty to cancel out Tosin Adarabioyo’s opener in first-half stoppage time.
But the Spaniard had fellow countryman Cucurella to thank as he restored Chelsea’s lead in the 60th minute before Madueke gave the Blues a two-goal cushion just five minutes later.
But Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca defended Sanchez telling Sky Sports: “Fourth mistake leading to a goal? And how many times has he saved us? I think more than four.
“No problem. Mistakes happen to him, to the strikers, central defenders… No problem, Robert is doing well.”
Despite Sanchez’s error, Maresca’s side ended a five-game winless league run to move up to fourth – two points above fifth-placed Manchester City – while Wolves remain above the relegation zone on goal difference after a third straight league defeat.
Set-pieces were once again the undoing of Vitor Pereira’s side as they conceded from a first-half corner after VAR overturned an offside decision against Tosin when he slammed home from Reece James’ deflected shot, with Matheus Cunha playing the defender onside.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Reece James’ deflected shot finds Tosin, who is initially ruled offside, only for VAR to overturn the decision and award the goal
Sanchez’s clanger then allowed Wolves to equalise in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time as he dropped the ball at the near post and Doherty tapped home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Matt Doherty takes full advantage of Robert Sanchez’s mistake to equalise for Wolves
But after Cucurella got Chelsea back in front from close range on his 100th Premier League appearance, it was another set-piece which led to a Blues goal as the impressive Trevoh Chalobah, on his return from his Crystal Palace loan, rose highest to nod down for Madueke to head home.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall flicks on Noni Madueke’s cross for Marc Cucurella to finish the move and put Chelsea back in front against Wolves
Wolves’ defensive issues continue under Pereira, having now conceded the most goals (51) and the most set-piece goals (19) in the Premier League this season.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Wolves fall to another set-piece as Madueke nudges Trevoh Chalobah’s goal-bound header over the line to extend Chelsea’s lead
Petit: Just punch it, Sanchez!
Ex-Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit speaking on Monday Night Football:
“I don’t know why he didn’t punch the ball. He tried to catch it. He should have punched 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 secure, to guarantee it, just punch the ball.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Following his blunder against Wolves, take a look at Sanchez’s four errors leading to goals this season
Carra: Sanchez a bottom-half goalkeeper
Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher speaking on Monday Night Football:
“Every set-piece is the same now, with people trying to block the goalkeeper. He pushes someone away so he now has the time to deal with it. He should just punch it.
“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 team in the bottom half of the table and not a top team.”
Chalobah shines on Chelsea return
Sky Sports News’ Gail Davis at Stamford Bridge:
“The performance lacked the domination and attacking intent of recent Chelsea games but Maresca won’t care. His team took their chances and came away with their first league win since mid-December.
“Talking of taking chances, Chalobah seized his with a very composed performance on his return to the club and almost had a goal to show for it, alongside Tosin who marshalled the Wolves attack well.
“A Sanchez blunder aside, Chelsea looked comfortable after their wobble at the end of the first half.
“A word on Cucurella too – his goal eased the nerves among the crowd on 60 minutes, scoring Chelsea’s second as he started and finished the move. He might irritate those playing against him but he works so hard and ended the evening hustling in midfield.
“Chelsea regain that winning feeling in the league – it takes them up to fourth and now they can look forward to a big game at Manchester City on Saturday evening, live on Sky Sports.”
Saturday 25th January 5:00pm
Kick off 5:30pm
