In a thrilling display of attacking football, Chelsea secured a resounding 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium, marking Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League win as the new Blues boss. This comes on the back of an initial setback, where Maresca’s tenure began with a 2-0 loss against Manchester City last weekend, following his appointment to replace Mauricio Pochettino from Leicester in the off-season.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Noni Madueke, who netted a hat-trick to lead Chelsea’s charge. His performance not only silenced his critics but also paved the way for a dominant Chelsea triumph. The game unfolded with early drama and continued to deliver excitement right until the final whistle.
Chelsea got off to a flying start, finding the back of the net just 98 seconds into the match. The opening goal was a consequence of a failed clearance by Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, whose attempted header from a corner fell invitingly to Nicolas Jackson. Unmarked at the six-yard box, Jackson made no mistake and headed Chelsea into an early lead.
However, the lead did not last long. Wolves responded in the 27th minute with Matheus Cunha, who managed to level the score. This was particularly poignant for Chelsea fans as Cunha had previously tormented the Blues with a hat-trick at Stamford Bridge last season. The Brazilian forward’s equalizing goal had the home fans buzzing and momentarily put Wolves back in the game.
In an off-field subplot that added a layer of controversy to the encounter, Noni Madueke had posted and subsequently deleted an Instagram story criticizing Wolverhampton, calling it “s**t.” He later explained the post as a mistake, stating, “Damn wrong Instagram account. You lot are too fast.” The incident had already irked Wolves fans, making Madueke’s on-field heroics even more impactful as he faced the hostile home crowd.
The game’s tension only seemed to spur Chelsea into upping their game. By halftime, Chelsea had surged ahead 4-1, with Madueke scoring his first two goals of the match.
. The young winger was in sensational form, slicing through the Wolves defense and finishing with clinical precision.
The second half continued in much the same vein, with Chelsea showcasing an attacking masterclass. Madueke completed his hat-trick, etching his name further into the hearts of Chelsea supporters. His third goal was a sublime effort, leaving Wolves’ goalkeeper no chance as the ball nestled into the top corner of the net.
Chelsea’s dominance was further highlighted by goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernandez, rounding off a triumphant afternoon for the visitors. For the new manager Enzo Maresca, this performance was a significant endorsement of his tactical acumen and ability to galvanize the team.
This comprehensive victory followed a UEFA Conference League play-off triumph against Servette on Thursday. That match, which ended in a low-key win, now seemed like a mere prelude to the goal fest witnessed at Molineux. The win against Wolves has provided a much-needed boost to Chelsea’s morale and has set a promising tone for the matches to come.
Wolves, on the other hand, were left to rue their defensive frailties and missed opportunities. Despite a brief resurgence from Cunha, they were comprehensively outplayed by a rampant Chelsea side. The home team’s frustrations were palpable, as their fans voiced their displeasure, not just towards their own team’s display but also at Madueke’s pre-game comments.
Looking ahead, Chelsea will hope this victory is a sign of things to come under Maresca’s leadership. With the Premier League season still in its early stages, this emphatic win could serve as a catalyst for a successful campaign. For Wolves, the focus will now shift to regrouping and addressing the defensive lapses that cost them dearly in this encounter.
This narrative marks a significant moment for Chelsea as they look to reclaim their status among the Premier League elite, while also showcasing the potential and flair of their emerging talents like Noni Madueke. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to navigate their challenges and aspirations, with Maresca keen on building upon this early success.
