Wolverhampton Wanderers interim manager James Collins was impressed with Chelsea as they beat his side 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Wolves were resilient in the first half, but Malo Gusto was able to break the deadlock for Chelsea just after the 50th minute before goals from Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto killed the game.
While he did not start the match or manage to score, Estevao Willian also made an impression after coming on in the second half.
In the end, Wolves could just not contain Chelsea’s attack, which has fired the team into second in the Premier League table.
Wolves interim manager James Collins at Stamford Bridge
Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images
James Collins thought Chelsea counter attacked ‘brilliantly’
Collins spoke about the Blues’ offensive threat after the game, stating that Enzo Maresca’s side countered very well.
In his post-match press conference, which has been shared by Wolves’ official club website, he said: “I felt that the shackles came off a bit as the boys thought we were behind, but we didn’t quite hold our structure, and we created some moments, we got on top a bit, and that was our foothold in the game, but I always knew the back door was open at the other end. They counter attacked brilliantly.
“When you come to a place like this, you have to keep it tight. I think they’ve scored in 25 out of the last 26 games.”
While Pedro and Neto were the attackers who scored against Collins’ team, Alejandro Garnacho was arguably the best forward player on the night.
The winger provided two assists during the match, which follows his goal against Qarabag in the Champions League midweek.
It was recently claimed that Garnacho has been spending extra time at Cobham to work on his finishing. It is the kind of thing that Chelsea fans will want to hear, especially after his attitude was questioned at Manchester United.
Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho celebrate Chelsea goal
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chelsea’s overall attacking stats in Wolves win
Many spectators on Saturday would have agreed with Collins. When Chelsea countered against his side, they looked quite dangerous.
In the first half, the Conference League holders had some trouble, but their overall attacking numbers were quite good by the time the full-time whistle went.
For example, Chelsea finished the game with an xG of 3.31, so they were able to create some great goalscoring opportunities.
Chelsea’s attacking stats vs Wolves Total
Goals scored 3
xG 3.31
Big chances 6
Shots 20
Hit woodwork 1
Big chances scored 3
Big chances missed 3
Touches in opposition box 36
Via Sofascore
After a disappointing 2-2 draw with Qarabag, Chelsea needed that performance and result. All in all, they can be quite pleased with how they have got on recently without their star man Cole Palmer.