Player Ratings: Wolves 2-1 Chelsea | Premier League

Chelsea were defeated 2-1 by Wolves at Molineux on Christmas Eve in the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues failed to turn in a good performance against Gary O’Neil’s side and deservedly lost away from home once again.

Chelsea started the game very brightly, but they wasted early chances, the most notable opportunity in the first half fell to Raheem Sterling, after breaking clean through on goal the winger had Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson alongside him, Sterling went for glory rather than passing and saw his effort saved by Jose Sa.

Wolves grew into the game as it progressed and the west Londoners were struggling, Hwang Hee-chan had a good chance before the half-time whistle but hit his strike over the bar, the sides went into the break level.

The second half saw Chelsea continue in their sluggish fashion, and it did not take long for Wolves to punish them, a Pablo Sarabia corner found the head of Mario Lemina who nodded past a helpless Djordje Petrovic.

While the Blues searched for a way back into the game, they struggled to create openings, in added time, Wolves scored a second, Matt Doherty slotted home after a mistake from Benoit Badiashile to double the lead.

There was still more drama to come in the 11 minutes of added time, Christopher Nkunku scored a header from close range, it was just a consolation in the end though.

Here is how Absolute Chelsea rated the players’ performances against Wolves this afternoon.

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Djordje Petrovic – 6/10

The penalty shootout hero from midweek against Newcastle United earned his second Premier League start for the Blues, there was little he could have done about goal, other than that he made some decent stops.

Malo Gusto – 6/10 (80)

The Frenchman was given the opportunity to get very high up the pitch in this contest, early on in the first half he got into good positions and created some openings, if the Blues were more clinical he easily could have had an assist. One of Chelsea’s smartest signings in recent years, more than just a backup.

Axel Disasi – 5/10

Started the contest in the centre of defence with Silva, but was shifted into right back after some late substitutions, did not look particularly comfortable, rather shaky on the ball and did not turn in a great performance.

Thiago Silva – 5/10

Mistakes have become more and more common in the Brazilian’s game, he’s still a fantastic leader and role model to his teammates at the back but there is a problem there.

Levi Colwill – 6.5/10 (80)

Played an inverted role from left-back in this contest and looked composed when in possession. Brought the ball forward well and was not as mistake prone as his other teammates.

Lesley Ugochukwu – 4.5/10 (59)

The 19-year-old looks extremely comfortable slotting into the Chelsea midfield, he shows great maturity for such a young player. Did not cover himself in glory for the opening goal, allowed Lemina a free header.

Conor Gallagher – 5/10

Had to run the midfield on his own following the substitution of Ugochukwu, as ever Gallagher was relentless but it was not a high quality performance. He looked exposed in the middle of the park and struggled to build attacks.

Cole Palmer – 5/10

Palmer is likely still in disbelief that the ball was not squared to him from Sterling for what would have been an easy tap in. The youngster was frustrated during the contest and just could not get things going.

Raheem Sterling – 6.5/10

Looked electric going forward but spurned a golden opportunity in the opening 45 to put the Blues into the lead, hard to believe he fluffed his lines that badly. Overall, Chelsea’s best player in the attack by a mile, but it is difficult not to focus in on that wasted chance. Provided a good assist for Nkunku’s goal.

Nicolas Jackson – 3.5/10 (80)

A very disappointing day for the striker, showed a real lack of decisiveness in the final third and was incredibly frustrating to watch. While he’s shown flashes of what he can do this season, he must become far more dependable.

Armando Broja – 4/10 (59)

Some big chances fell the way of the Albanian in this contest, but it was a frustrating day for him. Was substituted early on in the second half after he completely faded from the game, needs to start doing way more to prove he is capable of being a reliable option.

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Bench

Mykhailo Mudryk – 5/10 (59)

Coming off the back of a huge night in midweek, Mudryk was unable to have much of an influence following his introduction.

Christopher Nkunku – 7/10 (59)

Got his chance, and took it. Very positive Premier League debut, looked sharp and scored a good goal.

Benoit Badiashile – 4/10 (80)

His poor defending saw Wolves add a second goal in added time.

Ian Maatsen – 5/10 (80)

Struggled for involvement.

Noni Madueke – 6.5/10 (80)

Should have been introduced earlier, he was fantastic down the right hand side, deserves to start the next match.