Eden Hazard’s stoppage-time goal saved Chelsea from another humiliating defeat at home as the race for the top four finish in the Premier League intensifies. Chelsea were the better team throughout the match but Wolves just managed to hang in there and played their smash and grab football for which they are known for.
Raul Jimenez’s late goal against the run of play did light up hopes among the away fans as they could smell victory in West London. However, Eden Hazard came in between their way of celebrations. But nevertheless, it was a decent result for Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.
Chelsea dominated play but Wolves attacked on the counters
The Blues were dominant right from the start whereas the visitors were very cautious as they kept their defence watertight and allowed absolutely nothing in the final third. Sarri’s men were on the charge with 78% possession but players like Roman Saiss, Willy Boly and Conor Coady showed commitment and hunger to stay alive in the contest. They kept the Chelsea forwards at bay and allowed them no space at all in front of the box. It was a well-thought strategy from Nuno Espirito Santo as his men totally sucked the sting out of Chelsea’s play.
Meanwhile, the hosts squandered several chances and lacked the cutting edge in their attacking movements. The Blues lacked a proper no. 10 who can unlock defences with sleek and pinpoint passing. Jorginho tried his bit to send in some lobbed through balls towards the forwarding Gonzalo Higuain but it was either cleared or not put to good effect.
Wolves capitalised through Jimenez as Chelsea pushed for the opening goal
The Blues were frustrated after their first-half display and pushed more men up the field in search for a goal. However, the team pressed Wolves high up the field as they played several passes in the buildup to break the stubborn Wolves defence. But things were not any different from their first-half exploits.
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In the meantime, Wolves break the dead-lock against the run of play as the ball deflected from several Chelsea players fell in the path of Diogo Jota and the Portuguese midfielder was quick to start the counter-attack. Raul Jimenez who has been one of the most hardworking players off the ball made an excellent run and teamed up with Jota in the final third. Jimenez got the better of a Chelsea defender and was composed when tackled by the backtracking Azpilicueta as the ball trickled it way past Kepa, the visitors scored in their first effort on target in a match that was dominated by Sarri’s men.
Eden Hazard to the rescue for Chelsea as always
Stamford Bridge and Eden Hazard is a match made in heaven!! Despite dominating the game, Chelsea were extremely flat footed and even out of ideas when Jimenez scored late on to break the deadlock. With the game entering its dying stages Chelsea looked unlikely to secure even a point from the fixture. But cometh hour cometh the man, Eden Hazard stepped in and took the responsibility on his shoulders. The 28-year old created space in the left flank and rifled one towards the target. The powerful shot bamboozled Wolves goalkeeper Rui Patricio going in through the bottom corner.
The Belgian wizard scored and an amazing record came up saying that the Blues have never lost a match at the Stamford Bridge when Eden Hazard gets his name registered in the score-sheet. it is definitely one true love story that the Chelsea fans will remember forever.
