By Ashton Cox
Trevoh Chalobah won Man of the Match on his first game back for Chelsea, a 3-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The English defender was recalled early from his loan spell at Crystal Palace this week and immediately returned to action, starting ahead of Axel Disasi and Josh Acheampong.
Ranked first in interceptions, clearances and touches whilst also getting an assist for the final goal, Chalobah put in a stellar display as he looks to play his way back into the Chelsea starting team.
Back in the summer, the defender was exiled from the squad and forced to leave on loan to make room for new signings, however a mix of injuries and poor performances in the backline forced the club to bring him back.
Maresca said of his performance: “He was very good. The reason he is back is because he can help us.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers continued their dire set piece record this season – the worst in the league – by conceding two goals directly from corners.
The opening goal was slightly unfortunate from Wolves’ perspective, a rebound straight to Tosin’s path from close range, although the second goal was a result of some terrible decision making from Jose Sa.
Wolves manager Vitor Pereira said of his set piece issues: “Set pieces are something we work on a lot, a lot, a lot. We lose duels we cannot lose. We must be strong, strong on the body playing sometimes the tall guy against a small guy.”
Whilst Cole Palmer had a quiet game for his high standards, the Italian manager said he was happy with his output and maturity on the pitch.
The current Player of the Season was also confirmed to have been playing with a knock that he sustained last time out against Bournemouth.
Maresca noted: “Tonight was one of the best games from Cole. [He] played with a small problem in his ankle. Cole with a problem with his ankle was there asking for the ball and was a leader in the team.”
Tosin Adarabioyo scored his first Premier League goal for the Blues, firing in from close range after Reece James’ shot deflected into his path, with the goal ruled as onside by VAR.
Wolves equalised on the stroke of half time as Robert Sanchez dropped the ball from a corner which left Matt Docherty able to poke the ball into the net.
Marc Cucurella restored Chelsea’s advantage on his 100th Premier League appearance as he was left unmarked in the box from Noni Madueke’s cross before scoring with a scrappy finish.
Madueke compounded the away side’s misery as Jose Sa came flying off his line without getting near the delivery, allowing for the winger to nod Chalobah’s header into the net on the goal line.