Christopher Nkunku’s maiden goal for Chelsea was overshadowed by the team’s defeat against Wolves at the Molineux Stadium on Sunday evening. The Frenchman’s close-range strike in the 96th minute momentarily lifted Chelsea spirits but failed to salvage the game, resulting in a 2-1 loss on the road.

The match showcased missed opportunities for the Blues, with Raheem Sterling’s denied attempt by Jose Sa being a crucial moment in the first half. Mario Lemina’s header from six yards out and Matt Doherty’s late addition to Wolves’ tally compounded Chelsea’s woes, leaving them with a fourth consecutive away defeat. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

The absence of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo due to illness prompted Lesley Ugochukwu’s entry to fortify the midfield, while Armando Broja led the offensive line with support from Nicolas Jackson. Despite early chances for Broja and Jackson, the game remained error-prone and goalless in the opening stages.

Sterling’s missed opportunity after intercepting possession off Joao Gomes stood out as a pivotal moment for Chelsea in the first half. Despite efforts from both teams, including Hwang Hee-Chan’s attempts for Wolves and shots from Jackson and Palmer for Chelsea, the scoreline remained level going into halftime.

The second half brought adversity for the Blues as a defensive lapse led to Lemina’s header, giving Wolves the lead. Mauricio Pochettino’s substitutions of Nkunku and Mykhailo Mudryk injected urgency into Chelsea’s attacks, with Nkunku coming close to scoring on his Premier League debut.

Chelsea’s determination in the second half resulted in increased pressure on Wolves’ defense. However, the home side capitalized on a defensive mishap, with Doherty converting a close-range opportunity, extending their lead despite Nkunku’s late header.

The defeat leaves Chelsea in the 10th position as they face Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge next, aiming to rebound from their recent away struggles. Get the latest updates from the world of Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.