Chelsea Cruise Past Wolves to Go Second in the Premier League

Published: 09 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Chelsea produced a commanding performance to dispatch Wolves 3–0 at Stamford Bridge, brushing aside any lingering disappointment from their midweek Champions League draw in Azerbaijan. After being held 2–2 by Qarabag, Enzo Maresca’s side responded with purpose, precision, and a statement of intent that lifted them to second place in the Premier League table.

From the outset, Chelsea looked determined to impose themselves. The hosts dominated possession and dictated the tempo, with Enzo Fernández orchestrating play from midfield like a seasoned conductor. The Argentine midfielder’s passing was crisp and incisive, splitting lines and setting the rhythm for the attack. He nearly opened the scoring midway through the first half, his curling free kick forcing Sam Johnstone into a fingertip save, before a bouncing half-volley moments later drew another strong stop from the Wolves goalkeeper.

Despite the early dominance, Wolves—without a permanent manager following the departure of Gary O’Neil—held firm in the opening 45 minutes, frustrating the home crowd. But Chelsea’s patience was rewarded soon after the break when right-back Malo Gusto rose highest to head home Alejandro Garnacho’s delightful clipped cross, netting his first-ever senior goal. The Frenchman’s joyous celebration reflected both relief and pride, as his effort broke the deadlock and set the tone for a dominant second half.

Enzo Maresca’s decision to introduce young Brazilian prodigy Willian Estevão on the hour mark proved inspired. Within minutes of his arrival, the winger’s explosive pace and directness caused chaos down the right flank. Racing past his marker with ease, Estevão reached the byline and cut the ball back perfectly for compatriot João Pedro, who finished confidently from close range to double Chelsea’s advantage.

João Pedro, whose form has been steadily improving, made it two goals in as many Premier League games following his winner at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend. His composure in front of goal underscored his growing importance in Maresca’s youthful, dynamic setup.

The third goal arrived in style and symmetry. Alejandro Garnacho, already with one assist to his name, surged forward on the counterattack, leaving Wolves defenders scrambling. His clever square pass found Pedro Neto, who tapped home against his former club in the 73rd minute to cap off a fluid team move. Neto’s restrained celebration showed respect for his old side, but his contribution sealed a deserved victory for Chelsea.

By that stage, the outcome was beyond doubt. Chelsea’s confidence flowed freely, their interchanging front line overwhelming a beleaguered Wolves defence that struggled to contain the movement of Garnacho, Neto, and João Pedro. Even in the final minutes, Chelsea pressed aggressively, unwilling to settle for complacency.

For Maresca, it was a satisfying afternoon that demonstrated his team’s resilience and adaptability after a draining European trip. “It was the response we needed,” he said post-match. “The players showed character and control. We knew we had to reset quickly after the midweek game, and they did that brilliantly.”

One of the standout performances came from Fernández, whose influence in midfield was undeniable. His range of passing and ability to dictate play underlined why Chelsea see him as the heartbeat of their project. His link-up with Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka gave Chelsea both structure and creativity in the middle of the park.

Up front, Liam Delap made his first start since returning from injury in August. Though the young striker worked tirelessly to press from the front, he found chances limited and was eventually replaced by Estevão, whose introduction injected pace and unpredictability into Chelsea’s attacking play.

Defensively, Chelsea were composed and disciplined. Levi Colwill and Axel Disasi kept Wolves’ forwards quiet, while goalkeeper Robert Sánchez enjoyed a relatively calm evening, rarely tested as the visitors struggled to muster any meaningful threat. The clean sheet marked Chelsea’s sixth of the league campaign, further evidence of the balance Maresca has brought between attacking flair and defensive solidity.

For Wolves, the defeat highlighted the challenges they face in the post-O’Neil period. Disjointed and lacking a cutting edge, they offered flashes of resilience but were ultimately undone by Chelsea’s intensity and tactical cohesion. Interim coaches on the bench watched on helplessly as their side faded under sustained pressure.

Chelsea’s supporters, meanwhile, left the Bridge buoyant. The team’s mix of youthful exuberance and growing maturity continues to fuel optimism that this could be a defining season under Maresca. The Italian manager, who has quietly instilled discipline and belief into a previously inconsistent squad, has seen his side climb steadily up the table despite early criticism.

Now second in the Premier League, Chelsea are beginning to look like genuine contenders again. With key players returning from injury and young talents like Estevão, Garnacho, and João Pedro stepping up, Maresca’s project is gathering pace. The challenge will be sustaining this momentum in the busy winter period, where depth and focus will be tested.

For now, though, Chelsea’s message is clear: they are a side rediscovering their swagger, their unity, and their hunger for success. As the final whistle blew, Stamford Bridge rose to applaud not just a convincing win, but the promise of something more—a team that is learning how to win, and win well.