Chelsea vs. Wolves player ratings: Poor finishing and clumsy defense! The Blues’ terrible 2023 continues as Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson, and Benoit Badiashile all fail to score goals.

Mauricio Pochettino was horrified to see his forwards put up yet another feeble performance in the attacking third.

Chelsea’s terrible 2023 season continued on Christmas Eve at Molineux as they lost their 19th Premier League match of the year, 2-1, to Wolves. Wolves took the lead in the 51st minute through a second-half header by Mario Lemina, who took advantage of some careless marking. Substitute Matt Doherty scored in the 93rd minute after Benoit Badiashile made a mistake.

Use instead Three minutes later, Christopher Nkunku caused a scаre with a beautiful header, but Gary O’Neil’s team still won the match and drew level with Chelsea for tenth place in the league after eighteen games.

Despite Sterling and Jackson’s best efforts, the Blues were too careless and ill-disciplined to create any meaningful scoring opportunities. As a result, they now share the league’s poorest record for 2023—only Bournemouth, Fulham, and Nottingham Forest have lost more games (19).

Center Back and Defense

Six points for Dorde Petrovic:

Quickly covered the area outside of his own goal to rescue teammate Levi Colwill, and then made a fantastic stop at goal to keep Toti Gomes from scoring. Could have been more assertive in his dominance of the area, though.

Un gran gusto (5 minuti):

Wolves’ defense was stretched by his many overlapping runs, although his defending and clearances might use some improvement. A haphazard event.

Rafael Disasi (5/10):

Especially after Matheus Cunha robbed him in his own half, he didn’t appear to be a good defender. Starting in this job too frequently based on this display is quite unlikely.

The performance of Thiago Silva was satisfactory (6/10).

Performs admirably when clearing the ball with a header, but he almost cost his team a goal early in the second half when he lost possession of the ball for no apparent reason outside of his own area.

Colwill, Levi (6/10):

Not once, but twice, in the first half, was caught offside. Doesn’t always appear at ease playing left back as opposed to his more natural position in the middle of defense.

Center field

Out of ten, Lesley Ugochukwu gets:

Didn’t provide much from midfield and let Lemina score the opener. After suffering an ιnjury at the hour mark, the 19-year-old had a rough afternoon.

The performance of Conor Gallagher was satisfactory (7):

Was the backbone of Chelsea’s midfield and never let his intensity or skill flag. Persisted in an entrepreneurial manner, but his comrades were unable to assist him. Despite rumours linking him to a move away from the Blues, he is currently one of their top players.

Five stars for Nicolas Jackson:

Had to play a supporting role to make room for Armando Broja, and it showed. Despite being in fantastic positions on several occasions, his touch let him down.

Foul play by Cole Palmer (7/10):

Although he wasn’t 100%, he still looked dangerous and was one of Chelsea’s few dangerous players. He eventually got a touch on the ball as the match progressed.

The following is Raheem Sterling’s score (6/10):

Mostly dominated Wolves right back Nelson Semedo, who found himself in perilous situations time and time again, thanks to the omnipresent winger. Had a golden chance to set up a teammate in the first half but failed to do so. Wolves were able to recover and cover thanks to his extra touch, but he had a fantastic opportunity to equalize in the second half. Nearly made amends in the second half stoppage time with a lovely cross that set up Nkunku.

The performance of Armando Broja was rated as 5 out of 10.

I missed a great early opportunity because I put a little too many balls in the box. Despite receiving a rare start, he done very nothing.

Managed by Mykhailo Mudryk, substitutes:

His attempt to inject some speed and creativity upon coming on was unsuccessful.

On a scale from 7 to 10, Christopher Nkunku provides:

His first score was a cushioned header, and he had an early attempt pushed off the line.

Dear Benoit Badiashile,

Played a role in Wolves’ second goal as substitute Matt Doherty was set up by his own poor clearing.

Myi Madueke (5 out of 10):

He appeared to be a little off-kilter in his brief appearance.

This is not Ian Maatsen:

Used his on-screen time sparingly.

Jurgen Klopp (5/10):

It would appear that the Argentine manager has not given Chelsea a clear direction or strategy. His replacements were ineffectual, and the team never recovered from their midweek Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United.