December 19, (THEWILL) –Â A debilitated Chelsea was held to a goalless draw at Molineux, as the Blues fell farther behind Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the English Premier League.
The Premier League refused Chelsea’s request to postpone the match due to a number of positive COVID-19 cases, and Thomas Tuchel picked only six substitutes for the match, including two goalkeepers.
Wolves were the stronger side in the first half after dominating the midfield, and Daniel Podence thought he had given the hosts the lead with a straightforward tap-in at the back post from Fernando Marcal’s cross – but the offside flag was raised, and the goal was ruled out.
In the first 45 minutes, Chelsea failed to muster a single shot on target. When Leander Dendoncker was left completely unmarked inside the visitors’ penalty area to meet Podence’s delivery, he could only head straight at Edouard Mendy, and Chelsea were fortunate not to be behind.
At the start of the second half, Saul Niguez replaced Trevor Chalobah in the Chelsea midfield, while Mateo Kovacic made his first appearance since October, and their presence allowed the Blues to enjoy far more possession and control.
Despite their improved performance, opportunities were still scarce, and when Christian Pulisic did get beyond the Wolves defence, goalkeeper Jose Sa denied him.
The visitors piled up the pressure in the closing stages, but Wolves held firm to earn a hard-fought point.
Chelsea are now six points behind Manchester City, who beat Newcastle 3-0 at St James’ Park. Wolves are still in eighth place, two points behind sixth-placed Manchester United.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
