Writer: DJWolves
Wolves gained an excellent point at Stamford Bridge and but for an injury time equaliser from Eden Hazard it would have been three. It was a disciplined rather than expansive performance on the day but it meant three points out of four against Chelsea this season and they remain unbeaten after six games in London this season.
With Ryan Bennett suspended it was Romain Saiss on the right of the back three and otherwise it was what has become established as Wolves first choice starting 11.
Chelsea dominated possession in the first half but didn’t create scoring opportunities with Wolves looking very well organised defensively. Home fans frustrated with their team’s efforts but credit to the Wolves for looking compact and resolute even if they barely managed a touch in the Chelsea half.
Last week at Molineux we saw Wolves beat Cardiff with two goals resulting from top quality link up play between Jimenez and Jota and it happened again here in the 56th minute. The two of them exchanging passes that took them from the half way line to the penalty area where Jota set up Jimenez whose shot found the net despite being half blocked by Azpilicueta. It was the first shot on target from Wolves and they made it count. Chelsea almost equalised immediately but Patricio save well from Higuaín. Then the keeper tipped over a Pedro effort before Higuaín just failed to get on the end of a deflected corner. Then Patricio again, this time from a Willian free kick. But in injury time a long distance Hazard effort found the corner to deny Wolves the win.
Patricio 7 – had a good game with three or four sharp saves.
Saiss 7 – did well despite being out of position on the right.
Coady 8 – continued his fine season with a composed performance in a defence put under a lot of pressure.
Boly 8 – seems to thrive in these kind of away games.
Doherty 6 – only got forward once all game, as he needed to be a full back not wing back on the day.
Dendoncker 9 – broke down countless Chelsea attacks and has become a vital player in the team.
Neves 6 – played all the game on the back foot but gave a disciplined display.
Moutinho 6 – not able to impose himself on the game.
Jonny 6 – did some good defensive work but his distribution wasn’t great.
Jota 7 – didn’t always hold possession well but got better as the game went on.
Jimenez 8 – if a fee of £30m has been agreed to bring him to the club in the summer then that is an absolute bargain in today’s market.
Gibbs White gave a live substitute cameo while Traore also came on late.
Another game where Wolves provided tough opposition for a top 6 team, albeit this one being mostly about frustrating Chelsea than playing exciting football. Its another point towards a top half finish and sees them consolidate 7th place with only 8 games to go. All eyes now turning towards that mouth watering FA Cup quarter final against Man Utd next Saturday night. We can but dream.
