LIAM ROSENIOR can be mocked as much as you like for his poor first touch, Will McKenzie glasses and LinkedIn dialect.
He’s getting results for Chelsea in the Premier League.
A touch and go start to the game was eased by two Cole Palmer penalties, both of which were won by Joao Pedro from erratic Wolves defenders.
Moments later he completed a first-half hat-trick, with a brilliant finish into the roof of the net after being set up by Marc Cucurella. Curtains closed.
Nothing could stop the rain at Molineux in the second half, as Wolves fans chanted ‘call it off’ at 3-0 down before Tolu Arokodare pulled one back for the home side.
There was to be no comeback for Wolves though, and Rosenior will build his lego house tonight with a smile on his face and three more points on the board.
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This is how SunSport Chelsea Reporter Lloyd Canfield rated the Blues…
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 6
Probably could’ve played the first half with his eyes closed and not conceded.
He was busier in the second, and left furious by the goal he conceded, but overall it was a another pretty solid display from the Chelsea stopper.
MALO GUSTO – 5
Played very high on the right for Chelsea, as a wing-back at times, remaining an outlet and a threat for the Blues going forwards.
His end product and final ball delivery wasn’t quite as good as that of Cucurella on the opposite side, though.
Reece James, who was missing entirely from the squad, would’ve proved much more dangerous.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6
Not many players show as much passion in this Chelsea side as Chalobah, and he will be as frustrated as anyone at being beaten in the air at the front post by Adam Armstrong for the Wolves goal.
Aside from that small bump in the road, it was a very solid display from the centre-back.
He was really strong in the air and made some good tackles and blocks against the physical Tolu and exciting Matheus Mane.
WESLEY FOFANA – 6
The Frenchman was on camera in tears at the end of Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup – he looks much happier now.
Strong aerially and did the simple things well in a performance he can be proud of.
MARC CUCURELLA – 7
I criticised Cucurella lately for not being his usual self under Liam Rosenior, and was worried the new boss may not get the best out of him as Enzo Maresca did.
What do I know?
This was Cucurella on form, bagging an assist going forward, always being an outlet on the left, and remaining solid defensively.
MOISES CAICEDO – 7
Caicedo did what Caicedo does.
Turned over play nicely and broke things up brilliantly, especially when Wolves ventured forwards more in the second half.
ANDREY SANTOS – 7
Kept Angel Gomes, the new man in the middle for Wolves, very quiet on his debut.
Rosenior may still be figuring out his best XI at Chelsea, but the more Santos plays, the more it seems like he should be in the A-team for the Blues as opposed to cover for Caicedo or Fernandez.
PEDRO NETO – 5
Even on a decent day, it feels like you can get a little more from Neto, particularly when it comes to his end product.
He worked really hard down the wing and caused plenty of problems for Bueno at the back for Wolves – but again couldn’t make it count when it came to the final ball.
Wasteful more often than not, especially towards the end of the game as Wolves tired.
COLE PALMER – 9
Seeing Cole Palmer in the Blues’ starting XI is beginning to send shivers down oppositions spines once more.
Was perfect from the penalty spot before slotting an excellent finish into the roof of the net to secure his hat-trick in a moment that could be the spark in his season.
Thinking out loud here, but Thomas Tuchel take notes, you are a fool if you don’t take him to the World Cup.
A magical player at his brilliant best today.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 5
Interestingly lined up in a new role to what we have seen him play in recent weeks, as a left-sided attacker with Garnacho on the bench.
He had a few half-chances, but wasn’t able to continue his brilliant goalscoring form – though he may have walked away with a brace if Palmer wasn’t on pens.
It was a decent showing, but not his most effective – though he gets a little respect from me for attempting a rabona in the first half.
JOAO PEDRO – 8
The man of the moment for Chelsea has been in red-hot form lately, and won two penalties this afternoon – both dispatched by Palmer.
Wolves fans felt he took a dive, he would ask them how would you feel if Matt Doherty came straight through the back of you?
Is developing into the number nine Chelsea have needed since Diego Costa departed, with some strong hold-up play and silky dribbling.
SUBS:
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (Cole Palmer, ) – 5
Wasn’t afforded much freedom on the left side by Rodrigo Gomes, who was all over him like a rash after his introduction.
He didn’t have much of an impact on the game, truth be told.
JOSH ACHEAMPONG (Malo Gusto, 74) – 5
Helped Chelsea see out the game, progressing forward where possible with the ball and not making any silly errors.
LIAM DELAP (Joao Pedro, 74) – 5
Only one touch of his sticks out in my mind, and it was launched off the back of his heel as he tried to make a run.
JORREL HATO (Andrey Santos, 83) – N/A
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