Chelsea overcame Wolverhampton Wanderers in a chaotic 4-2 victory at Molineux to secure their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
The victory was marred by a late red card for substitute Liam Delap, but was ultimately spearheaded by exceptional performances from young attacking players, with two players receiving the joint-highest rating of 9/10. Below is a breakdown of the Chelsea players’ performances and ratings:
Player ratings: Chelsea
Filip Jorgensen – Rating: 6
The goalkeeper had a slightly nervous beginning, mistiming a run out of his net to intercept a cross. He could not be faulted for either of the Wolves goals, which came during a second-half resurgence from the hosts.
Malo Gusto – Rating: 6
Gusto spent a large amount of the game pushing into the Wolves half. The assessment noted that he did not have a standout display, though the lack of defensive issues he faced was not necessarily a negative reflection on his positioning.
Josh Acheampong – Rating: 7
The defender looked characteristically composed and confident when in possession. He made a vital interception near the goalpost in the 36th minute, successfully cutting out a dangerous cross from David Moller Wolfe.
Tosin Adarabioyo – Rating: 5
Adarabioyo had a quiet opening half but was forced into much more action after the break as Wolves pressed. The review suggested he should have won more aerial duels, given the volume of high balls delivered into the box.
Jorrel Hato – Rating: 6
Hato showcased his defensive recovery pace in the 29th minute, executing a well-timed sprint to shut down a promising Wolves opportunity. His passing from the back was deemed consistent throughout the tie.
Romeo Lavia – Rating: 7
Lavia was instrumental in setting up Tyrique George’s goal. The midfielder demonstrated exceptional vision to turn and thread the ball through a minimal gap, initiating the advance up the pitch.
Andrey Santos – Rating: 9
Santos enjoyed a brilliant start to the evening, scoring the opening goal with a precise finish into the bottom corner. He was also praised for his tactical awareness in the lead-up to Estevao Willian’s goal, winning the ball back high up the pitch with an aggressive press.
Estevao Willian – Rating: 8
Willian found the net just before half-time with a delicate chipped finish over the opposing goalkeeper, Sa, after some early shots from the edge of the box had failed to threaten.
Facundo Buonanotte – Rating: 5
The Argentine performed adequately until the start of the second half, but the evaluation noted a subsequent dip where he began losing possession too easily, contributing to a chaotic period where Wolves capitalized.
Jamie Gittens – Rating: 9
Gittens was recognized as the joint star player for his dazzling offensive output. He set up Santos’s opener by skillfully moving past a defender and delivering a perfect pass, then played a crucial role in George’s goal. His own strike was described as an “incredible” goal he “had no right” to score.
Tyrique George – Rating: 8
George was rewarded for his great movement with a classic poacher’s finish from close range, doubling Chelsea’s lead and demonstrating excellent positioning in the box.
Substitutes
Liam Delap – Rating: 2
While it was positive to see the returning player back on the pitch, his appearance was short-lived and disastrous. He received two swift yellow cards and is now suspended for the upcoming match against Tottenham.
Marc Cucurella – Rating: 6
Introduced into the midfield, Cucurella brought valuable experience and a steady presence at a time when Chelsea appeared unsettled by Wolves’ pressure.
Enzo Fernandez – Rating: 6
Fernandez entered the midfield fray and effectively managed the ball possession, helping Chelsea to see out the hard-fought victory.
Moises Caicedo – Rating: N/A
Caicedo was brought on late in the game specifically to help maintain the lead and secure the win.