Wolves Fans' Verdict v Chelsea: Lack of fight results in another loss

John Lalley

In terms of gleaning some encouragement for battles ahead, there was nothing to offer any peace of mind from this routine surrender. 

Chelsea, from the outset turned the screw, effortlessly got in front and were cruising before inexplicably losing their composure to gift us a lifeline just before half-time. 

But Wolves simply lacked the quality to cash-in. Chelsea reasserted their dominance and Wolves predictably succumbed showing yet again just why they offer minimal resistance under even moderate pressure. 

Chelsea’s clinching third goal was a microcosm of all that has plagued us this ghastly campaign. The ineptitude was embarrassing and any notion that the new managerial regime might address this recurring nightmare is evaporating alarmingly. 

The refreshing clean sheets obtained in Pereira’s first couple of games were a mirage; we look as defensively uncertain and as vulnerable as at any time all season. There was little by way of response as Chelsea easily restrained our passive approach and once more a substantial number of our players remained anonymous, struggling to compete in this resolute environment. 

Going through the motions, steadfastly resigned to the inevitable and at this level, a creaking soft touch. Right now, it looks a straight fight between us and last season’s trio of promoted teams to avoid relegation. 

Relying on those three outfits to be marginally worse than we are is a very dangerous approach. We are up to our necks in trouble; lacking genuine class, devoid of leaders on the pitch and wholly short of game-changing alternatives. And what hurts the most is that this mess is entirely self-inflicted.

Clive Smith

Unfortunately we suffered another bad result. From the start it looked like a team full of confidence playing against a team with very little. The opening minutes saw a constant stream of crosses that went into our box from both flanks. Our area was full of blue shirts and there was always one beyond the far post to pick up any crumbs.

For 30 minutes we couldn't lay a glove on them and only when Semedo and Ait-Nouri switched sides did we start to get some possession beyond halfway. Madueke and Neto had drifted out of the game too. By then we were a goal behind though.

Eventually we did see some possession in our attacking third. Too often our approach play lacked the pace to really cause them any concerns.

Even when we gained a little momentum our first corner went out of play, while our second did not beat the first defender. It was therefore somewhat surprising we made the third one count. With bodies everywhere, a scramble, and Doherty made it even by the interval.