Chelsea shrugged off a howler from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez to beat relegation-threatened Wolves 3-1 on Monday, ending a five-game winless run to climb back into the Premier League’s top four.
Enzo Maresca’s team were just two points behind leaders Liverpool in mid-December, raising hopes of an unlikely title challenge before losing their way.
Now they are back on track to qualify for next season’s Champions League after second-half goals from Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke spared the blushes of Sanchez.
The goalkeeper had dropped the ball moments before half-time, allowing Matt Doherty to cancel out Tosin Adarabioyo’s opener.
Chelsea’s top-scorer Cole Palmer, a doubt before the game, was fit to start as Maresca made five changes from last week’s draw against Bournemouth including bringing in centre-back Trevoh Chalobah, recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace.
The home side dominated possession in the early stages and Palmer had a couple of early efforts, curling one wide and forcing Jose Sa into a diving save.
The home side were rewarded for their dominance midway through the first half when Adarabioyo fired home for his first Premier League goal for the club.
The defender controlled the ball well after it was deflected into his path following Reece James’s shot from the edge of the box.
A number of Chelsea players were in offside positions in a crowded penalty area and the flag was raised but the on-field decision was overturned after a VAR check.
Sanchez blunder
Wolves, anaemic in attack for most of the first half, came back into the game as half-time approached, scoring with their first shot on target thanks to Sanchez’s error.
The visitors won a corner and the goalkeeper inexplicably dropped the inswning delivery from Matheus Cunha under intense pressure, with Doherty smashing home from close range.
