Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-5 Chelsea, Premier League: Post-match reaction

The first 30 minutes were rather dire — as first 30 minutes after international breaks tend to be — but then Chelsea scored three in less than ten minutes and the match was effectively over ... despite giving up a two-goal lead last time out.

Fikayo Tomori will have Rui Patricio to thank for his first ever senior Chelsea goal, as his long shot completely fooled the otherwise excellent goalkeeper. He stepped to his left and the ball curled to his right and by the time he realized his mistake, it was 1-0 Chelsea.

Abraham quickly made it 2-0, then 3-0 before the half, continuing his rich vein of goalscoring form.

Abraham completing his hat-trick soon after the restart should’ve put the game completely out of reach, but Wolves scored a couple late on to make things interesting. Fortunately, Chelsea did hold on this time, and even got a goal late on from Mason Mount.

Wasn’t the prettiest the game, especially early and late, but job done. A win’s a win. Three points in the bag against a side who’ve made a habit of taking points off top six teams.

Carefree.

• Lampard unveils his version of the 3-4-3, with Christensen in the middle and Rüdiger (later Zouma) on the right, Tomori on the left. Azpi and Alonso as wing-backs on either side of the midfield two of Jorginho and Kovacčić. Mount-Abraham-Willian across the front.
• Rüdiger taken off at half time after he came up limping late in the first half. Later spotted with an ice pack on his groin. Hopefully nothing serious.
• Kovačić ran out of steam at 70 minutes, replaced by Barkley. Abraham off with cramp ten minutes later, with Batshuayi on.
• Abraham’s hat-trick gives him 7 goals in his last 3 games. He even scored an own goal
• All of Chelsea’s Premier League goals this season have been scored by Academy graduates: Abraham (7), Mount (3), Tomori (1)
• Wolves lose at home for the first time since January 2 (16 games in all competitions)
• Next up: Valencia on Tuesday, at home in the Champions League!
• KTBFFH

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