In a gripping Premier League match at Stamford Bridge on January 20, 2025, Chelsea marked their return to form with a 3-1 victory over relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers. The success represents their first in six league games and saw goals from defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella, as well as a strike from winger Noni Madueke.
This result significantly propels Chelsea up the league table, placing them in fourth position, overtaking Manchester City and Newcastle United. Wolverhampton, meanwhile, remain dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting just above Ipswich Town on goal difference.
In their quest to qualify for the Champions League, Chelsea took the lead in the 24th minute when Tosin Adarabioyo expertly slipped the ball into the back of the net from close range. However, their advantage did not last long, as Wolves equalized shortly before half-time. A moment of lapse in concentration from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez allowed Matt Doherty to score after a poorly cleared corner.
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The crowd, fearing a repeat of previous matches where Chelsea had dropped points after leading, found comfort when Marc Cucurella restored their lead in the 60th minute. After a deflection from new arrival Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Cucurella’s serene finish reignited the home side’s ambitions.
-Minutes later, Noni Madueke added a third goal, converting a header from Trevoh Chalobah, who had just returned from a loan spell at Crystal Palace. Madueke then said: “It’s instinct, attacking instinct. I knew it crossed the line. I apologized to Trevoh afterwards. I absolutely had to put it at the bottom. » He added with a smile: “He was telling me, ‘You can’t take my goal,’ but I told him, ‘You have to understand, that’s what I’m paid for.’ »
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With the win, Chelsea are on 40 points after 22 games, 10 points behind league leaders Liverpool, while being four points behind second-placed Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. They maintain a slight lead over Manchester City and Newcastle, who trail behind by two points.
The return of captain Reece James—making his first start after a long injury absence—was a major asset for Chelsea, as was the return of Chalobah, who provided stability after injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile. However, Chelsea will be without defender Levi Colwill and midfielders Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez for their next match against defending champions Manchester City on Saturday.
