Chelsea 3 (Gusto 51, Pedro 65, Neto 73) Wolves 0
Wolves were beaten by Chelsea under the interim guidance of James Collins and Richard Walker, as the hosts proved too much for the Old Gold in the second half at Stamford Bridge.
After showing good resolve during a goalless opening 45, Wolves were breached six minutes after the interval when Malo Gusto headed home Alejandro Garnacho’s cross.
The second arrived when Estevao crossed for Joao Pedro to convert from close range, before former Wolves man Pedro Neto added the third, with Wolves unable to find a response of their own at the other end.
The avoidance of an early goal against will have been high on the agenda of Collins and Walker, and their well-drilled side stuck to their game plan, put their bodies on the line when required and frustrated Chelsea in the first half.
Sam Johnstone was busy at times, as expected, but produced when required, starting with a good save to slaw away Enzo Fernandez’s free-kick early on. He was then left exposed when Fernandez chipped Garnacho through, but the shot was too close to the Wolves goalkeeper.
Pedro then diverted Marc Cucurella’s shot wide of the mark, before Wolves found their feet a little. With Joao Gomes and Andre winning the ball high up the pitch at times, the Old Gold did get into good positions, but the final ball let them down.
Chelsea were getting their shots away, but Johnstone was a match to them, with Fernandez thwarted again, before Jackson Tchatchoua prevented the midfielder’s corner flying directly in with a clearance on the line.
Before the half was out the hosts had one final chance, and it was a good one. Fernandez’s shot was blocked and set nicely for Pedro on the edge, with a lot of goal to aim for, but he dragged his shot harmlessly wide.
Half-time | Chelsea 0-0 Wolves
Unfortunately for Wolves, the second half didn’t follow a similar pattern and six minutes after the break the hosts took the lead. Wolves failed to stop the cross by Garnacho and Gusto got between the defenders at the back post to head in from close range.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde curled over for Wolves, who attempted a response, but the second goal on 64 effectively ended the contest. Estevao got the better of Hugo Bueno and when his cross was diverted to Pedro, he blasted home from close range.
The third goal was similarly as simple too. Garnacho got Santiago Bueno isolated, and his past took him past the defender, allowing him to square for Neto to clip over Johnstone for Chelsea’s third.
With the game now over, Wolves at least carved out a couple of chances. Substitute Marshall Munetsi did well to find himself bearing down on Robert Sanchez’s goal, and he caught his effort well, but fizzed it wide of the mark.
Jorgen Strand Larsen also sliced side with his left foot, on a night where once their resolve was broken, it was difficult to respond.
Full-time | Chelsea 3-0 Wolves
Chelsea | Sanchez, Gusto (James 77), Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Enzo (v 83), Neto (Guiu 77), Pedro (Gittens 83), Garnacho, Delap (Estevao 64).
Unused subs | Jorgensen, Tosin, Hato, Acheampong.
Wolves | Johnstone, Tchatchoua, S Bueno, Krejci, Toti, H Bueno, Andre, J Gomes, Bellegarde (Munetsi 70), Hwang (Mane 70), Strand Larsen.
Unused subs | Sa, Wolfe, Hoever, Mosquera, Chirewa, Arias, Arokodare.