Coady’s Late Goal Denies Chelsea Win At Stamford Bridge

Ayomikun Elemikan

Chelsea were denied an important win at home as Wolverhampton Wanderers fought back from two goals down to earn a vital point.

As usual, Chelsea had the better share of possession in the first half and the Blues’ first real chance came in the 9th minute when German forward Timo Werner’s left-footed shot was saved by Wolves goalkeeper José Sa’s strong left hand.

Opportunities were limited in the opening 25 minutes but Roman Saïss did miss a glorious chance when his header, from a free-kick, flew over the bar in the 23rd minute.

However, three minutes after the half hour mark, Werner found the back of the net but the referee was quick to call for a foul as the former RB Leipzig forward was deemed to have fouled Moroccan defender Saïss just before he fired past Sa.

In the 38th minute, Thomas Tuchel’s side thought they had broken the deadlock for the second time in the game after energetic England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek hit the ball into the back of the net after a scramble in the box. VAR intervened and adjudged Loftus-Cheek was offside.

The celebrations of the fans, and that of new club owner Todd Boehly who applauded from his corner, were once again cut short.

A minute to the end of the first half, Wolves had a good chance to put themselves ahead but Neto’s shot was parried away by Edouard Mendy before Dendocker’s follow up from the rebound was blasted well over the bar.

Few seconds into the second half, Werner had another opportunity to score but another good save from Sa denied Chelsea the lead.

The Blues’ celebrations were eventually made permanent when lanky Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku won and converted from a penalty in the 56th minute. The referee had to consult VAR to come to a decision to award the penalty.

It was Lukaku’s first Premier League goal since December 2021.

Two minutes later, Lukaku doubled the lead. American winger Christian Pulisic pounced on a loose ball before setting up the former Inter Milan striker.

Moment after, substitute Hwang Hee-chan was denied a golden opportunity to pull one back as Mendy made a great save in a one-on-one situation.

Few minutes after coming off the bench, 22-year-old Portuguese Trincão brought Wolves back into the game with a fantastic curling effort that left Mendy helpless.

The away side continued to push for a late equaliser, missing few chances in the process. At the other end, Chelsea could not add further goals as their attacking bite was neutralised.

In the seventh minute of stoppage time, Wolves’ fans were sent into frenzy when club captain Conor Coady headed into the back of the net to make it 2-2 following a brilliant cross from Tomás Oliveira who had also assisted Trincão’s goal.