Nunes stunner for Wolves hands Lampard defeat on Chelsea return

Chelsea have been criticised heavily for their lack of cutting edge, and following a 0-0 draw with Liverpool last time out, that worrying trend continued from the off.

The opening half-hour was short on goalmouth action as Wolves went toe-to-toe with the underperforming Blues, before Matheus Nunes handed them the lead in style.

A partially-cleared bouncing ball dropped the way of the Portuguese international, who struck it firmly across the face of goal and into the top corner. Starting against his former team, Diego Costa came close to adding a second before HT, but his close-range shot was stifled by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

A much-improved attacking display was needed from visitors, who ramped up the pressure in search of an equaliser after the break.

Chelsea’s bright spark has so often been João Félix in recent weeks, and the on-loan forward was involved once again as referee Peter Bankes waved away his penalty appeals.

Hoping to build on their narrow lead, Wolves looked to hit the Blues on the counter, but a promising breakaway led by Matheus Cunha eventually came to nothing.

Lampard made several alterations as time ticked away, but despite racking up 13 shots, the away side struggled to create presentable goal-scoring opportunities.

Julen Lopetegui’s Wolves remained well-organised, seeing out a potentially pivotal victory that lifts them to 12th in the PL, four points clear of a congested relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Chelsea ultimately came up short yet again, leaving them languishing in midtable with seemingly little to play for.

Flashscore Man of the Match: Matheus Nunes (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

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