Enzo Maresca applauded his Chelsea side’s response after Wolves drew level, noting it was a significant improvement from recent performances and crucial in securing the victory.
This marked Chelsea’s first Premier League win in six games, following draws against Everton, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth, as well as defeats to Fulham and Ipswich Town.
The result propelled Chelsea back up to fourth in the table, with Saturday’s opponents, Manchester City, trailing just two points behind in fifth.
Maresca reflected on the recent run, saying: “I think in the five games where we didn’t win, the performance was always there. The problem has been in the box where we could have been a little more clinical. Tonight it was important that we won the game”.
“For the first 40 mins, the team were brilliant. We scored a goal, we created chances, and then the same thing happened as in the last four or five games, where when we conceded, we lost a little bit of confidence”.
“In the second half, we again controlled the game, we scored twice, we could have scored more, and we are happy with the three points.”
Chelsea dominated the opening stages and took a well-deserved lead when Tosin Adarabioyo displayed excellent composure, controlling the ball and finishing calmly after Reece James’ deflected shot fell into his path.
Wolves leveled the score just before halftime with Matt Doherty’s close-range finish, but Chelsea regained the lead on the hour mark. Marc Cucurella found the net with a composed finish after Noni Madueke’s precise cross was cleverly flicked on by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Five minutes later, Chelsea extended their lead to 3-1 when Noni Madueke tapped the ball over the line to ensure Trevoh Chalobah’s powerful header found the back of the net.
Maresca emphasized the significance of the victory, saying: “It is very important to win always but especially after five games without a win. It was not easy. Again, we scored first and then they drew level but the reaction was much, much better.”
One of the standout performances against Wolves came from Academy graduate Trevoh Chalobah, who marked his first appearance for Chelsea this season after being recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace just last week.
Maresca praised Chalobah’s return, saying: “Absolutely [it is good to have him back]. He was very good and I have said already that the reason he is back is because we are sure he is going to help us and tonight he showed exactly what he is capable of doing.”
He continued: “Firstly, he is a strong defender. He is quick, he can defend in behind, he can defend forward, he is aggressive, but we already knew that, which is the reason we called him back.”
