The closeness of the 2020/21 Premier League season can be explained perfectly by illustrating how one or two negative results can lead you out of a position of strength, as Chelsea have found to their cost after slipping to a heart-breaking 2-1 loss away to Wolves on Tuesday.
Prior to the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Everton, the Blues were being cited by many as serious challengers to Liverpool and Tottenham for the Premier League crown. Yet, after two disappointing performances, they are now looking over the shoulder at Southampton in fifth.
In a match that lacked many coherent chances on goal, Olivier Giroud broke the deadlock four minutes after half time, volleying the ball towards the goal from close range. Rui Patricio managed to claw the ball back into play, but the shot did actually go over the line.
Then, the introduction of Adama Traore in the 61st minute changed the course of the match. Suddenly the hosts were in the ascendency and just five minutes later they were level through Daniel Podence.
Podence, being tasked with leading the line in Raul Jimenez’s absence, scored a beautiful shot after taking the ball past Reece James, leaving goalkeeper Edouard Mendy unable to do anything to stop the effort.
The game looked to be meandering to a finish from that point, although Wolves thought they had been awarded a penalty nine minutes from time after James collided with Pedro Neto. However, VAR urged the referee to look at the monitor and review the situation, which led to it being overturned.
After seeing the penalty taken away from him, Neto appeared a man possessed for the next few minutes. A smart pass from Vitinha capped off a Wolves counter attack, with the ball landing at Neto’s feet and he then fired a powerful first-time shot into the net, securing all three points for the hosts.
Winning this match does boost Wolves’ position, leaving them sat in ninth, just above mid-table, while Frank Lampard will be concerned that his team are dropping vital points heading into the festive season.
