Enzo Maresca made at least seven changes to his team in for a sixth successive game after their 2-2 draw against Qarabag, and there didn’t appear to be much of a UEFA Champions League hangover early on against Wolves, led by interim boss James Collins following Vitor Pereira’s sacking.
Within three minutes, Sam Johnstone was required to tip an Enzo Fernández free-kick over the bar, before the goalkeeper produced an important stop to deny Alejandro Garnacho. Fernández then headed wide from Marc Cucurella’s cross-shot as the Blues seemed to be upping the ante.
That proved to be a false alarm, as for the remainder of the half, the hosts were frustrated by their stubborn, well-organised visitors.
As the half-time whistle blew, few could argue that Wolves deserved to still be on level terms at the break. However, Chelsea started the first half much like they did the first - with intensity - and this time, they made the most of it.
Garnacho had been one of their brightest sparks in the opening period, and it was his cross that found Malo Gusto at the back post, allowing the Frenchman to head home not only the first goal of his professional career on the whole.
The opener appeared to wake Wolves up, and they immediately showed far more energy as they went in search of an equaliser. But this Chelsea squad is one full of quality talents, and it was one from the substitutes bench that played a role in his team’s second.
Estevao had been on the pitch a matter of seconds when he beat his man down the right before cutting the ball back for João Pedro to sweep past Johnstone. A goal made in Brazil, and one that gave Maresca’s men far more control over a game that threatened to get away from them.
Before long, Chelsea extended their advantage further on the break. Garnacho was again involved, speeding down the left flank before squaring for Pedro Neto, who had no qualms about celebrating against his former club after slotting in.
That strike ended the game as a contest, as Chelsea were able to stroll to a win as Maresca gave some more of his players a rest.
The result sees the Blues move to within six points of leaders Arsenal, while they have now lost just one of the last 12 H2Hs at Stamford Bridge.
Wolves, meanwhile, remain without a win this season in the top flight after this latest defeat. Whoever enters the dugout - Rob Edwards, Middlesbrough head coach, has been given permission to speak to the Old Gold - has a very difficult job on their hands to keep Wolves amongst the elite.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Alejandro Garnacho (Chelsea)
