Looks like a tough job to come up with great football predictions for Premier League. Coming into the game, both teams were on the back of disappointing results. Chelsea unexpectedly lost to Everton, while Wolves lost two in a row. A reaction was expected from both sides, with Chelsea looking to close the gap between them and the league leaders. Meanwhile, Wolves looking to get closer to the top 6 and to keep up their remarkable run against the bix six sides.
Wolves started with a 3-4-3, which at times in possession looked like 3-4-1-2. [player 160834] was playing just behind the front two and trying to pull strings in between the lines. [player 23269679] and [player 496775] paired up top. As for Chelsea, the only headline was the return of [team 32438]. [player 32612] played instead of [player 73147] in a stable 4-3-3. A result was required for [coach 95], but [coach 455991] was in his way with his exceptional Wolves side.
First-Half
The game started with a lot of intensity as both sides like to press high with the energetic midfielders. Chelsea, as expected, had more of the ball while Wolves were patient in their well-drilled shape. Chelsea were primarily using the left side of their attack to create overloads against the isolated Semedo. This tactic was working effectively, and Chilwell did deliver some fine crosses, but Wolves’s defending in their box was immaculate.
In the 32nd minute, from a wide free-kick, the ball hit [player 3043]’s arm, and there were strong Chelsea appeals. Stuart Attwell initially didn’t award the penalty, and a VAR review followed where his decision was confirmed.
The first lacked the clinical edge in the final third from both sides, but the intensity was high. Challenges for second balls in the midfield and the pressing levels from both teams were top.
Chelsea had 58% of the ball but weren’t as effective as possible with this much possession. The Blues had 6 shots with none on target while Wolves had 2 from 6 on target. The frustrating factor was 5 out of Chelsea’s 6 shots were taken from inside the box, but they couldn’t find a way to score. Defensively, Wolves were excellent, completing 8 tackles to Chelsea’s 5. Wolves also completed 5 interceptions and 20 clearances in the first half.
Wolves’s intensity in the midfield is clearly showcased in the stats as they won 34 duals to Chelsea’s 21. The home side won 16 aerial duals compared to Chelsea’s poor 5.
Lampard had to change something to get Chelsea firing again. Still, Wolves also had a fair amount of firepower on their bench if required.
Second-Half
Wolves made a half-time substitution replacing Dendoncker with Owen Otasowie. As for Chelsea, they remained the same at the restart.
Chelsea started the second half excellently, and Wolves probably didn’t expect that. Quickly in the second half, Chelsea took the lead with the goal coming from [player 798]. Once again, Chelsea’s attack’s left side proved critical. [player 1601]got the ball on the overlap and delivered a nicely weighted cross finished by Giroud.
After some time, Nuno reacted by sending on the frightening Adama Traore in place of Fabio Silva. Just 5 minutes later, that change Wolves scored their goal through Daniel Podence. His trickery and composure helped him dodge two Chelsea players than an excellent finish at the near post where Mendy could have done better. Another controversy was involved as the corner, which led to Wolves’ goal, shouldn’t have been awarded in the first place.
Lampard reacted to the goal by sending on Abraham and Kovacic, replacing Giroud and Havertz. Still, Wolves were looking the better side, and Chelsea were struggling to create chances.
Later, a fantastic driving run by Neto won Wolves a penalty. However, after another big VAR review, the decision was overturned. The game looked over at 1-1, but the in-form Pedro Neto had the last and an incredible say. Chelsea’s attack saw all the team pushing up with Zouma and Silva exposed at the back. Substitute Vitinha played a nicely weighted ball to Neto, who came inside then went outside of Zouma before unleashing a powerful finish into the bottom corner. Wolves celebrated a goal in the fifth minute of added time and saw out the remaining part.
A big win for Wolves but two losses on the spin for Chelsea and Lampard, who were looking like title contenders just a week before. So much can change in a few days, and Frank Lampard now needs to change something big.
Fixture Details: [fixture 16924722]
See Also: UK football predictions for this week
Eye-Catching Performers
Daniel Podence
One of the best Wolves player this season, Denial Podence, had another spectacular game on Tuesday. He scored 1 goal and completed 6 dribbles against Chelsea. He also won 7 ground duels.
Defensively as well, Podence was effective as he completed 2 interceptions as well as 1 tackle.
Pedro Neto
Another Portuguese talent, Podence’s strike partner Neto had a great game as well. The youngster scored the incredible last-minute winner along with completing 2 key passes. He also completed 2 crosses and won 6 duels in total. Another brilliant performance by the young lad who has been crucial in replacing the goals and assists of Diogo Jota.
