A first Premier League goal for Tosin Adarabioyo alongside second-half goals by Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke saw Chelsea end a five-game winless run with victory over Wolves.
Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo (2-L) celebrates with teammates after scoring the 1-0 goal during the English Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Wolverhampton (Pic – EPA/Andy Rain)
Chelsea moved past Manchester City and Newcastle and into the top four on the Premier League table as they beat Wolves 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
Goal from defenders Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and a header from Noni Madueke secured the three points for Chelsea and helped them bring an end to their run of five games without a win.
Speaking to the BBC after the game, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “For me the performance until 40 minutes was very good, then the last five minutes we struggled. They scored a goal and we lost a bit of confidence, which was something that has happened a few times this season. We need to learn to manage these situations better.
“In the second half, we started well and scored the goals. Overall I think we deserved to win the game.”
Maresca added that he was delighted to have defenders chipping in with goal contributions: “Tosin is always a danger at set pieces and Cucurella was in the right position again, he scored a similar goal against Brentford. Being in the right position is important, no matter if you are tall or small, the position is all that counts.”
Meanwhile, goal-scorer Adarabioyo added: “Three goals in four games yes, four for the season and my first Premier League goal tonight, so very happy.
“It is definitely good to contribute to the goals and for them to come from all over the pitch. A goal is a goal at the end of the day. Even if you get the scummy ones it is always a good feeling.
“It was gutting to concede that goal at the end of the first half but we came out all guns blazing, in the second half, did an amazing job and got a great result.
“Trevoh Chalobah came straight back in and did an amazing job. He did everything flawlessly from a tactical point of view, so I am very happy for him,” he said.
Chelsea are due to face Manchester City in their next game and Maresca was asked about the importance of taking a win into what is shaping up as a key game: “For now we are happy that we won this game, then tomorrow we start thinking about City which will for sure will be a tough game.
“In the last five games, we didn’t win but I said many times that the performance was there. We created many chances but didn’t score. Tonight we finally scored and got three goals.”
Manchester City versus Chelsea kicks off on Saturday at 19h30.
