Chelsea's loss to Wolves brought back memories of 23 years ago

 Chelsea's loss to Wolves brought back memories of 23 years ago

Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea FC scores his team's first goal to make the score 2-1 during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Molineux on December 24, 2023 in Wolverhampton, England.(Image-Getty)

Wolverhampton 2 : 1 Chelsea

Win one match, draw or lose the next—Chelsea's erratic league journey continues. The team that beat Sheffield United last week lost at Wolverhampton this time. Mauricio Pochettino's side lost 2-1 at Wolves in their last Premier League match before Christmas.

It was Chelsea's eighth defeat in the league this season, fourth in a row at home. This is the first time since 2000 that Chelsea have lost four consecutive away matches in the league. They lost to Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle before Wolverhampton.

Chelsea have won two consecutive games just once in the league this season, against Fulham and Burnley at the start of October. Since then, the streak has been followed by a draw or loss, which continued after a 2–0 defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on 16 December.

Chelsea had the better chance of scoring in the first half in the match at Molineux Stadium. In the 32nd minute, Wolves goalkeeper Jose Sa crossed his team's midfielder Gomez and Raheem Sterling took over. The English forward gets the SA alone. A pass to Nicholas Jackson on the sidelines that should go into the net without a hitch. But when Sterling took a shot himself, it was blocked by the Wolves goalkeeper.

All three goals of the match were scored in the second half. In the 51st minute of the match, Mario Lemina took advantage of Pablo Sarabia's corner and sent the ball into the net. Matt Doherty scored Wolves' second goal. The substitute Irish defender 'side-footed finishing' into the net in the 92nd minute.

Three minutes later, Chelsea responded with a goal. An unguarded Christopher Nkuku header reduced the deficit to 2-1. There were still five minutes left in the game. However, Chelsea could not score the equaliser.

At the end of 18 matches, Chelsea is at number 10 with 22 points, Wolves at number 11 due to equal matches and equal points goal difference. Arsenal (40), Liverpool (39), Aston Villa (39) and Tottenham (36) occupy the top four positions in the points list.