Chelsea sealed qualification for the next Champions League season by beating Wolves 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. The visiting team got off to a brighter start, testing Willy Caballero multiple times. However, the Blues resisted the challenge and managed to score against the run, with Mason Mount scoring a spectacular free kick from a center position.
It was 2-0 moments later, Mount this time became a supplier, letting the ball pass so that Olivier Giroud surrounded the goalkeeper superbly. The second goal seemed to deflate Wolves, who had a chance to finish fifth entering the day. However, Chelsea achieved a vital victory, one that ensures them a top-four result in Frank Lampard’s first season at the club.
Positive
The training seemed to fit in well with the game plan, which consisted primarily of throwing the trap against the wolves. Pulisic and Mount were poised to thrive at the break, while Mateo Kovacic’s energy centrally helped Chelsea regain the ball at vital moments. Also, the fact that Londoners recovered well from a slightly edgy start showed good determination and commitment to metal.
– ICYMI: the last of the main leagues in Europe
– Stream FC Daily on ESPN + (US only)
Negative
The home team got off to a slow start, one that nearly scored a goal. On another day they would have been punished, but fortunately for Chelsea’s sake, wolves were often wasteful in the last third. The ease with which the traveling side dominated possession from the start, despite being far from home, would normally worry Frank Lampard; But on a day as momentous as this, you suspect it will let players go.
Manager rating of 10
8 – Beautifully combined for the second goal. In addition, the selection of Caballero instead of Kepa Arrizabalaga was also worth it, as the Argentinian plug took care of most of the tasks. Chelsea’s control thereafter was also much better as the subsequent three players functioned as effectively as the attacking trio.
Player Ratings (1-10; 10 = Better, Players submitted after 70 minutes do not get a rating)
GK Willy Caballero, 7 years old – I had a bit of a nervous moment at first, flapping in a crossover shot that almost spun into the net. After that, it improved a lot.
DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 – Playing as a central defender on the third lap, the captain seemed defensively confident as always. The inclusion of Reece James right in front of him simplified the role of the Spanish, with good results.
DF Antonio Rudiger, 7 years old – Surprisingly, the German defender was one of the best players on the ball at all times, pumping a handful of large long balls forward that found their target. Despite some excessively jealous fouls, it was a good start.
DF Kurt Zouma, 8 years old – He was the best defender on the sides this afternoon, contributing a series of key interceptions and headers against the dangerous Raúl Jiménez. Based on this evidence, it appears to be more comfortable in a pair of threes rather than a center and back pair.
MF Reece James, 6 – It seemed dangerous in spells, adding much needed width and crosses. However, all too often their participation was limited as defense became the priority.
MF Marcos Alonso, 6 – He made some awkward tackles in the first half and seemed to struggle when he faced his own goal. His biggest contribution was allowing Mount to execute the important free kick of the first half.
MF Mateo Kovacic, 8 – He brought great energy to the team’s midfield, assisting well with defensive duties as Chelsea struggled from the start.
MF Jorginho, 7 – As the central midfielder with a more defensive attitude, he fulfilled his duties perfectly well, turning the ball over several times. Simple, but very effective.
FW Mason Mount, 9 – A winning performance from the England international match, which he scored and helped in the first half. His free throw, which came at a time when the Wolves were high up, was a moment of pure magic. A clutch performance, just when his side needed him most.
FW Christian Pulisic, age 7 An oddly calm game from the former Dortmund player, but it was his dribble that ultimately led to Giroud’s goal in the first half. He may not have been the key man, but his work rate was still very impressive.
FW Olivier Giroud, 8 years old – Simply the return of the season. Without the French goal contributions since the restart, Chelsea may not have crossed the line in their quest for the top four.
Substitutes
FW Callum Hudson-Odoi N / A – It was too late to have a significant impact.
FW Tammy Abraham N / R – He replaced Olivier Giroud, but could not have the same effect in the game.
MF Ross Barkley N / R – He arrived with just a few seconds to play.
FW Pedro N / R – He was hired for what will surely be his last appearance for the club.
MF Ruben Loftus-Cheek N / R – I didn’t see the ball after arriving in the 90th minute.
.
