Graham Potter and Chelsea recorded back-to-back 3-0 wins, as they eased to victory against managerless Wolves at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Havertz and Pulisic either side of half-time put Chelsea in the driving seat. Armando Broja scored his first goal for Chelsea late in the second half, to cap off a brilliant performance by the Blues.
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 8/10
Another start, and another solid performance by Kepa. The Spaniard looks more comfortable in goal each week, particularly when using his feet. He is more than happy to come out of his box to regain possession and plays some very tidy passes in tight areas. Kepa also made a strong save to deny Moutinho from a free-kick.
César Azpilicueta- 8/10
How Azpilicueta has walked off the pitch without an assist today is a mystery. He could have had four or five in the first half alone, constantly playing perfect crosses into the box which were wasted by the players on the end of them. A slightly weaker performance in the second half (he can be excused for being quite fatigued, after the amount of times he was up and down the pitch in the first 45).
Trevoh Chalobah- 7/10
Off the back of a fine performance against Milan midweek, Chalobah showed once again why he deserves to start under Potter. Chalobah defended well and looked more than happy to push forward with the ball when given the opportunity.
Kalidou Koulibaly- 8/10
Koulibaly’s best game for Chelsea since his debut. The Senegalese centre-back made five tackles in the game – the joint highest out of anyone on the pitch. He kept the dangerous Diego Costa out of the game completely, and looked assured when on the ball. A powerful display.
Marc Cucurella- 6/10
Perhaps the only player on the pitch for Chelsea today who struggled. In fairness to Cucurella, going up against Adama Traoré was never going to be easy, but the Spaniard looked at times like he could not contend with Adama’s speed. Still, Cucurella did well in ensuring Chelsea maintained a clean sheet, by making a vital block to prevent a Wolves shot hurtling towards goal.
Christian Pulisic- 7/10
The American will be happy to have got on the scoresheet after a difficult first half. Pulisic made up for some big chances spurred when he doubled Chelsea’s lead with a fantastically chipped finish early in the second half. Hopefully, this will give the winger some much-needed confidence.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 7/10
Another positive performance from the English midfielder today, and he will certainly be giving Potter a decision to make over who are his best two in midfield when Kante returns to full fitness. Perhaps at times, his game would benefit from moving the ball up the pitch with a bit more urgency.
Jorginho- 7/10
Jorginho completely dictated the game today. He looked to have complete control over where the ball would go even when he wasn’t in possession. It was good to see the Italian playing some dangerous forward passes to launch Chelsea attacks. A slight weakness when defending counter attacks which led to Jorginho getting booked for a cynical foul on Nunes.
Mason Mount- 8/10
Just the performance Mount needed to kickstart what has been a disappointing start to the season. Showed great tenacity to win the ball back, before sending in a perfect cross to Havertz who opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time. An even more impressive assist allowed Pulisic to double the score, Mount played an inch-perfect blind pass which found the American who chipped in well.
Kai Havertz- 7/10
An important goal late in the first half was fantastically taken by Havertz. His headed finish looped perfectly behind José Sá and under the crossbar to ensure Chelsea went into the break with the lead.
Connor Gallagher- 8/10
It looks as if that incredible winner last week against Crystal Palace has filled Gallagher with confidence. A bullish performance – winning the ball back constantly and driving forward with nice dribbling and passing. He’s forcing his way into Potter’s best starting eleven.
Subs :
Mateo Kovačić- 7/10
Coming on mid-way through the second half, Kovačić did well replacing the impressive Loftus-Cheek, ensuring Chelsea kept control of the game. A perfect through ball to find Broja, who finished well, ensured Chelsea came away with a convincing victory.
Reece James- 6/10
A deserved rest was given to Reece James today, who only came on late in the second half. After a scintillating performance against Milan on Wednesday, James was relatively quiet in his brief time on the pitch. Surely will be back in the starting eleven next week in Italy.
Armando Broja- 8/10
A first goal for Chelsea, and what a moment for Broja, who has had to fight tooth and nail to earn chances in the side. Coming on as a late sub yet again, Broja gave everything he had in the brief time he was on the pitch. He earned his goal – which was taken brilliantly, cutting inside the defender, before smashing the ball into the bottom corner.
Hakim Ziyech- N/A
Carney Chukwuemeka- N/A
Graham Potter- 9/10
Off the back of a fantastic performance against Milan, Potter perhaps outdid himself today against Wolves. On paper, Chelsea looked to put out a considerably weakened team, with no Sterling, Aubameyang or James in the starting line-up. The player’s Potter brought in, however, shined brilliantly, Azpilicueta the pick of the replacements. Chelsea’s new manager continues to impress.
Twitter- @Kieranroy1
