Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Two Talented Men
By Wolves
December 19 2021
After a weekend which has seen several games postponed due to the 'Pandemic' Wolves will welcome Chelsea to Molineux this afternoon, which is testament to the fact that Wolves have declared a 100% uptake of vaccinations amongst their players.
This may be one of the better times to play Chelsea as they have several players ineligible to play due to injuries and virus infection. Notably Lukaku, Jorgihno, Werner and Chilwell will be missing. Chelsea will be keen to maintain contact with Liverpool and Manchester City at the top of the League as both teams are also playing today, whilst Wolves will also be looking for another three points to keep them in the hunt for a Europe qualifying place.
Wolves will probably be without Rayan Ait-Nouri who sustained an injury during Wednesday's warm up. Marcal played quite well in his place despite sending in one of the worst corners ever seen in Brighton leading up to the goal!! Hee Chan Hwang will also be missing following his early injury, which suggests Raul Jimenez will step straight back into the team, possibly alongside Daniel Podence and Adama Traore.
Our referee today will be David Coote with Kevin Friend on VAR Duty. Despite Southampton v Brentford which was due to be televised being postponed our game will still not be televised.
This board will - with the assistance of a good stream - post regular updates on the progress of the game, and members are also encouraged to post their own observations and join in the discussion.
Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Wolves (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 12:59
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:26:11:09:45 by Cheshire wolf.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:26:11:09:45 by Cheshire wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 13:02
A few changes for today's starting Xl and once again Traore does not make the starting team. Dendoncker is brought back in to midfield, Jimenez returns to the front two, and Hoever steps in to replace Semedo. Line-up:
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 13:08
Surprised to see Traore dropped - are we going ultra defensive?
Suprised to see Hoever replacing Semedo - a knock perhaps?
C’mon Wolves
Suprised to see Hoever replacing Semedo - a knock perhaps?
C’mon Wolves
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 13:14
A comment on the fact that Chelsea tried to get this postponed - a symptom of COVID-19 no doubt in more ways than one, and probably as a consequence of such a changing situation and requirement to update rules and offer clarity. Apparently the good and the great of the premier league are meeting to discuss …. Presumably by Zoom.
If I were connected with Chelsea , I’d probably be going for a postponement but there again Wolves have been in a position of not being able to name a ‘full’ bench for some time now, and with Hwang, RAN and Silva now added to the sick list. Overall, today, I think the premier league have made the correct decision but there is no doubt we are in a national sticky mess with omicron and leadership is required, and soon.
Look at this Chelsea side - my heart bleeds for their them
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:13:17:03 by Ivybridge Wolf.
If I were connected with Chelsea , I’d probably be going for a postponement but there again Wolves have been in a position of not being able to name a ‘full’ bench for some time now, and with Hwang, RAN and Silva now added to the sick list. Overall, today, I think the premier league have made the correct decision but there is no doubt we are in a national sticky mess with omicron and leadership is required, and soon.
Look at this Chelsea side - my heart bleeds for their them
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:13:17:03 by Ivybridge Wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 13:23
Quote from Tuchel ahead of the match and about the Chelsea request for postponement. It’s difficult (applying a non biased brain freeze for a moment) not to have some sympathy with his statement. Nevertheless the horse has bolt now.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel "It is exactly like this, we thought we had a strong case regarding the security and health of players, we have seven positive cases, we were made to be in the bus and travel together for three hours, were in meeting together, in dinner and lunch and the situation does not feel like it will stop. We applied to not play and put the situation under control and it was rejected. It is very hard to understand it, we are concerned about the health of the players. We end up with players who play coming from injuries and we take the risk.
"I am worried from a medical point of view, we have had four days of consecutive positive tests. How will it stop if we are in a bus together and in meetings together?
"We are disappointed, we are a bit angry."
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:13:25:52 by Ivybridge Wolf.
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel "It is exactly like this, we thought we had a strong case regarding the security and health of players, we have seven positive cases, we were made to be in the bus and travel together for three hours, were in meeting together, in dinner and lunch and the situation does not feel like it will stop. We applied to not play and put the situation under control and it was rejected. It is very hard to understand it, we are concerned about the health of the players. We end up with players who play coming from injuries and we take the risk.
"I am worried from a medical point of view, we have had four days of consecutive positive tests. How will it stop if we are in a bus together and in meetings together?
"We are disappointed, we are a bit angry."
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:13:25:52 by Ivybridge Wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Lupy (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 13:50
No better time to play Chelsea even though I have a little sympathy for them. Nonetheless they have a much bigger squad than us especially for this sort of situation so they will surely be expected to be aiming for three points. Interesting to see Hoever in the starting eleven perhaps Bruno is starting to rotate players in view of the difficult game programme we have ahead of us. A hard working game approach (as usual) and some magic from DP and/or Raul with a bit of a following wind and we may get something out of this.
C,mon lads.
C,mon lads.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:06
Still a strong team fielded by Chelsea, and it’s a foggy start to the game. Chelsea get the first corner but easily cleared. Raul breaks then DP gets a shot away for a corner. Neves puts in back on from the left for another corner. Good period of play from Wolves.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:09
It’s really quite foggy at Molineux, possibly easier for the players to see through than the spectators!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:09
The fog is coming down at Molineux. This added to an in and out stream is not helping viewing.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:17
Great cross by Marcal just eludes Raul, then the action leads to a Chelsea corner which ends up with Mendy!! Great break by Joao to Marcal, crossed to Podence who scores from right side. VAR shows Raul in offside position even though he didn’t strike it he is offside.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:17
Stream seems a bit more stable.
15 gone. Not the out and out defensive mode I thought ……. Hang on …… superb goal from Podence ……… hang on, noooooooo.
Offside. Jimenez offside, I’ve missed the replays . Looked harsh
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:14:19:03 by Ivybridge Wolf.
15 gone. Not the out and out defensive mode I thought ……. Hang on …… superb goal from Podence ……… hang on, noooooooo.
Offside. Jimenez offside, I’ve missed the replays . Looked harsh
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:14:19:03 by Ivybridge Wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:21
Fog is suddenly clearing. Wolves are playing some excellent football, neat and concise passing.
Tuchel looks really frustrated on the sideline. Wolves ‘bossing’ the midfield area
Tuchel looks really frustrated on the sideline. Wolves ‘bossing’ the midfield area
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:26
Suspected handball not given by ref against Kante and the fans tell him he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Good tackle by CC on the edge of our area but he’s now down hurt. Seems to be OK
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:27
I am livid.
Kante appeared to handle the ball and in which case Podence would have been clean through. Replays seem to confirm it was hand ball. That’s a disgrace …… Kante would have been off and especially when you consider what happened to Moutinho v Man City.
Ref didn’t even have a look at it
Kante appeared to handle the ball and in which case Podence would have been clean through. Replays seem to confirm it was hand ball. That’s a disgrace …… Kante would have been off and especially when you consider what happened to Moutinho v Man City.
Ref didn’t even have a look at it
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:30
Frustrating that Hoever earns a throw in half way into the Chelsea half, but it ends up back with CC!! We need to attack - not keep passing backwards
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:34
Chalobah makes a poor challenge on Raul and gets the first yellow card. Free kick wasted. Now Rudiger brings down Raul and gets a yellow card.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:37
Chalobah & Silva both down hurt after colliding during a good Chelsea break which ended with an awful shot by Pulisic, although Jose came out and made life difficult for him.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:38
Tiago and Chalobah smash each other and are both heaped on the floor.
Both get up ….. both very gingerly.
Both get up ….. both very gingerly.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:42
Marcal puts a dream ball into the area for Donk but it’s a weak header for Mendy to collect easily.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:42
Superb cross from DP …. Donk free header … misses a sitter. Oh dear
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:44
Joao Moutinho is having a superb game so far
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:14:46:58 by Cheshire wolf.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:14:46:58 by Cheshire wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 14:53
Chelsea get a corner as four added minutes are announced. They get another corner, leads to persistent pressure by the away team until Alonso is tackled by Hoever. He dawdles taking the throw in so the ref blows up for half time!
A good half from Wolves including a Podence conversion denied by VAR due to Raul trying to strike the ballin an offside position in front of Mendy who then dived for the ball before Podence slotted it. A very good performance by Wolves in defence again, and a couple of chances up front, one of which Donk should have scored from. The fog is still in evidence.
Wolves 0 Chelsea 0
A good half from Wolves including a Podence conversion denied by VAR due to Raul trying to strike the ballin an offside position in front of Mendy who then dived for the ball before Podence slotted it. A very good performance by Wolves in defence again, and a couple of chances up front, one of which Donk should have scored from. The fog is still in evidence.
Wolves 0 Chelsea 0
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Lupy (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:04
Chelsea seem in disarray, they are there for the taking, let’s hope we take advantage.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:06
Encouraging half from Wolves but, of course, Chelsea are never out of it. Wolves the better side. I think that Jimenez did interfere in play but why the half hour delay from the linesman to get the flag up? I think it was the on field decision which denied the goal, not VAR but can’t be 100% sure.
As for the handball - will somebody confirm if it was just the red mist that descended on me, or should Kante have been potentially given a red for stopping Podence getting clean through?
Donk - should have scored, simple as that.
More of the same please Wolves, plus a few extra shots perhaps - we certainly have the midfield edge.
Chelsea have replaced Chalobah with Saul
UTW
As for the handball - will somebody confirm if it was just the red mist that descended on me, or should Kante have been potentially given a red for stopping Podence getting clean through?
Donk - should have scored, simple as that.
More of the same please Wolves, plus a few extra shots perhaps - we certainly have the midfield edge.
Chelsea have replaced Chalobah with Saul
UTW
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:06
Saul replaces Chalobah for Chelsea as we start the second half. Wolves unchanged
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:17
Chelsea applying sustained pressure now. We cannot get hold of the ball the last 5 minutes. A dangerous spell
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:17
Chelsea putting the pressure on & keeping possession. Good interception by Neves to clear the danger in our area. They keep the pressure on and a clearance needed by Saiss this time. We can’t get out of our own half
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:22
I’m beginning to think that 0-0 would be a good result here!!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:24
This has a bit of the whiff of Manchester United, Spurs, Leicester, Liverpool and Manchester City!!! So says my pessimistic side.
Our midfield have lost the initiative and possession with no outlet. Midfield collectively 15-20 yards closer to our goal.
One for Traore to come on I think. Change the dynamics. 63 minutes gone
Our midfield have lost the initiative and possession with no outlet. Midfield collectively 15-20 yards closer to our goal.
One for Traore to come on I think. Change the dynamics. 63 minutes gone
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:32
I agree it’s time for Adama to come on. Kobacic replaces Ziyech for Chelsea.
Cool play by Saiss in defence but we’ under the cosh again. Corner off CC well cleared by Jose but once again too slow moving the ball forward. Good break into the area by Hoever but fails to find a Wolves player.
Cool play by Saiss in defence but we’ under the cosh again. Corner off CC well cleared by Jose but once again too slow moving the ball forward. Good break into the area by Hoever but fails to find a Wolves player.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:35
Adama being readied
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:39
Surprisingly poor ball from Neves to DP when a break is on.
Pulisic in a one on one with Jose but our big man keeps it out.
Pulisic in a one on one with Jose but our big man keeps it out.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:40
Adama replaces Podence
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:40
Traore on.
Moments before an outstanding Sa save from Pulisik and the corner he comfortably collects. Great goalkeeping
Moments before an outstanding Sa save from Pulisik and the corner he comfortably collects. Great goalkeeping
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:43
Into the final ten minutes and Wolves are coping quite well with the stronger threat from Chelsea so far. We are having the occasional break but not managing any scoring chances.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:46
We haven’t managed to get the ball to Traore as yet. Or anybody up front to make it stick
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:47
Trincao being prepared to come on with five minutes remaining
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:47
Now he’s got his coat back on!!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:50
Alonso gets a corner off Hoever, headed over by Rudiger under pressure from Max. Raul goes off being replaced by Trincao as we enter the final minute
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:50
We just can’t seem to get hold of the ball and when we do we lose the ball cheaply. We are, however, continuing to defend well.
Trinc on for Jimenez
Trinc on for Jimenez
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:52
Three added minutes to play - let’s hope this time we can hold on to a point!!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:54
What a challenge by Coady on Kante in the area. 3 minutes are up
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Cheshire wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 15:56
Full time and a very hard earned point for Wolves denying Chelsea the points they really needed to keep up with their title challenge. Only the second team to stop Chelsea scoring this season. A good match to watch, with our scoring opportunities confined to the first half. Our defence excelled again.
Wolves 0 Chelsea 0
Wolves 0 Chelsea 0
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Lupy (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 16:02
Just goes to show how important it is to have depth in your squad, Chelsea able to up the anti with quality substitutes. Have to say that our poor passing in the second half invited pressure we could have done without. Good point though and can anybody remember when Max last made a mistake? Workman like effort again and a valuable point.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: essington wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 16:14
Decent point in the end, thought we had the better of the fh and Chelsea the better of 2nd half. Defence were well drilled again today and hardly gave Chelsea a sniff. Shame podence goal was ruled out for offside but I think a draw was probably a fair result. Now watford boxing day hopefully, have a great Christmas everybody, up the wolves!
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Ivybridge Wolf (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 17:12
Happy with the point, and a deserved point. Neither side did enough to win it really.
Shame we couldn’t make consistent in roads into their defence, particularly when we were the better side in the first half. I am still reeling at that Kante handball.
Equally Chelsea came up against our superb, well organised and almost impenetrable defence who once again were outstanding. They needed to be in the second half, we just couldn’t keep hold of the ball at all. Today Coady gets my MOTM.
Sa come up trumps again when called upon, fine goalkeeping from a fine goalkeeper.
If it goes ahead, would be lovely to celebrate Christmas with a goal against Watford. We really could do with a few. Today however, I will take the point!!
UTW
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:17:14:23 by Ivybridge Wolf.
Shame we couldn’t make consistent in roads into their defence, particularly when we were the better side in the first half. I am still reeling at that Kante handball.
Equally Chelsea came up against our superb, well organised and almost impenetrable defence who once again were outstanding. They needed to be in the second half, we just couldn’t keep hold of the ball at all. Today Coady gets my MOTM.
Sa come up trumps again when called upon, fine goalkeeping from a fine goalkeeper.
If it goes ahead, would be lovely to celebrate Christmas with a goal against Watford. We really could do with a few. Today however, I will take the point!!
UTW
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2021:12:19:17:14:23 by Ivybridge Wolf.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Andy Fincher (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 17:20
Regarding Chelsea's plea to get the match postponed, they were still able to field a strong side and my own opinion is that whichever club it is, if they can field 11 players the match should be played.
Good first half from Wolves but should have been in front by half-time. Surprised to see Hoever start but he was fairly solid. Concerned a little about Raul. Apart from occasions he doesn't look the player he was before the injury. I suppose it could be taking time for him to come back but he has had a fair few matches now.
I know Patricio is still Portugals's no.1 and Sa is probably no more than 4th choice but for me Sa is a definite upgrade.
I would have settled for 6 points from the 6 matches leading up to Christmas ( Norwich, Burnley, Liverpool, Man City, Brighton and Chelsea ) and, although I didn't expect the points to come in the order they did, that's what we got so reasonably satisified.
Good first half from Wolves but should have been in front by half-time. Surprised to see Hoever start but he was fairly solid. Concerned a little about Raul. Apart from occasions he doesn't look the player he was before the injury. I suppose it could be taking time for him to come back but he has had a fair few matches now.
I know Patricio is still Portugals's no.1 and Sa is probably no more than 4th choice but for me Sa is a definite upgrade.
I would have settled for 6 points from the 6 matches leading up to Christmas ( Norwich, Burnley, Liverpool, Man City, Brighton and Chelsea ) and, although I didn't expect the points to come in the order they did, that's what we got so reasonably satisified.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Andy Fincher (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 17:23
Agree with Ivy about Coady as m-o-m.
Re: Match Thread: Wolves vs Chelsea FC
Posted by: Andy Fincher (IP Logged)
Date: 19/12/2021 17:39
I can't believe I'm saying this but I agree with Ivy again, this time regarding the Kante handball.
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