Chelsea ended a run of five league games without a win when they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.
Chelsea moved up to fourth in the Premier League table after yesterday’s 3-1 victory at home to Wolves, which stopped the club’s recent poor run of results.
Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and Noni Madueke were all on the scoresheet for the Blues as they picked up a vital three points. Next, they face a tough trip to the Etihad Stadium to play fifth-placed Manchester City.
Here are five things we learned from Chelsea’s win against Wolves:
A fit Reece James still elevates Chelsea
Reece James made his first start in the league since early November during last night’s success over Wolves. Remarkably, it was like the 25-year-old right-back had never been away.
The Reece James injury history is one that really frustrates supporters because the club captain is so unfortunate in that aspect.
Yet again, the English full-back proves that he can still operate at a really high level when he steps on the football pitch. The trick is now trying to help him overcome frequent injury interruptions.
In the Wolves win, James got a very useful 77 minutes under his belt as he impressed on the right of defence.
It’s so evident that Chelsea do look a more complete and balanced team when he’s in the XI.
- READ MORE: Enzo Maresca shares the area where Reece James is improving at Chelsea, it could impact Levi Colwill
Trevoh Chalobah was always good enough
It was the first Chelsea appearance for Trevoh Chalobah, 25, since his surprise recall this month from a season-long loan at Crystal Palace. Therefore, it made the centre-back’s dominant performance even more impressive.
Tosin claimed Chelsea teammate Chalobah was “amazing” against Wolves as he slotted into the back four so effortlessly.
He made several quality defensive interventions, including a fantastic last man challenge early on. Plus, he ended up recording an assist after Madueke poached his header on the goal-line.
It was a firm reminder last night that Chalobah was always good enough to play for the Blues even though he was sent on loan and frozen out before the start of the season.
Nicolas Jackson is struggling amid ongoing rut
It’s now six consecutive appearances in the Premier League without a goal for Nicolas Jackson, which definitely signals a rut for any top-flight striker.
In the Wolves victory, Jackson’s all-round game was a lot quieter than usual. Perhaps it’s a sign of a lack of confidence because of his struggles in front of goal.
Jackson, 23, can be pleased with nine league goals so far this season, but he’s misfiring right now and it’s currently damaging the team while he leads the line.
The fact that he completed another 90 minutes and Christopher Nkunku stayed rooted to the bench suggests the club needs to get moving on signing a new centre-forward to provide an alternative option.
Robert Sanchez will never be an elite goalkeeper
Even though Chelsea did win against Wolves, Robert Sanchez put in a pretty horrid display in-between the sticks for the Blues.
On top of some poor moments on the ball, the Spanish goalkeeper also gifted Wolves a goal to make it 1-1 before half time when he failed to catch a corner kick.
During his post-match interview, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca jumped to the defence of Sanchez by insisting that he’s doing well for the team this season.
Based on what we’ve seen from Sanchez for the Blues, he’ll never grow into a top-class goalkeeper. The 27-year-old gloveman is a steady Premier League shot-stopper, but sadly he’s got too many mistakes in his game.
Cole Palmer is instrumental even when he’s not scoring or assisting
It’s quite unusual to see Chelsea score three goals in a single match without a direct contribution from Cole Palmer.
While it’s great to see others chipping in with goals and assists, there’s no doubt that Palmer was still pulling the strings for the hosts on Monday night. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder always injects extra urgency and skill when he’s in possession.
Maresca thought Palmer had one of his best Chelsea games versus Wolves, particularly because he showed real leadership and a desire to get on the ball.
| Minutes played | Total shots | Chances created | Passes into final third | Accurate crosses | Touches in opposition box | Match rating |
| 84 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 2/3 (67%) | 5 | 7.1 |
Blues supporters are fortunate they get to watch one of the Premier League’s very best players each week.
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