Analysis: Wolves

As Wolves set up in a conservative mid-block, their attacking play was extremely limited in the opening spell of the match. In brief moments of possession, they looked to hit early balls in behind Chelsea’s advancing full-backs. In a consistent back line of five, though, neither wing-back was in a suitable position to advance forward and meet these long passes.

With Diogo Jota, Raul Jimenez and youngster Morgan Gibbs-White in a narrow front three, the front line was also unable to take advantage of these early passes, as Chelsea won the majority of the second balls. Even if the front line continued to press high when play was restarted through the goalkeeper, the hosts were unable to disrupt this deep build due to the defensive overload they were determined to keep deep within their own half.

However, some of their forward passes in behind were proving more of a threat, as an increased distance between their lines – their back three dropped a few yards deeper – ensured these passes were no longer overhit. Coupled with a much deeper and longer build-up sequence, more time was available for the wing-backs or wide attackers to move into effective positions – and this approach continued into the second half.

As their build-up often attracted one of Chelsea’s central midfielders forward, the hosts’ front three had more central space to receive passes into feet. A quick rotation enabled Gibbs-White to drop short and receive behind Chelsea’s central midfield. From here, the youngster played Jimenez in behind, who struck his low effort across goal to level the score.

A second soon followed, as Willian was dispossessed in his own defensive third. Matt Doherty’s well-timed overlap created enough attacking width for his side to play around Chelsea’s congested central defence, with Jota tapping home at the far post from the wing-back’s subsequent first-time cross.

Wolves’ defensive focus was to block the central lane and force Chelsea wide. As they lost possession, both wing-backs dropped in to create a back five, with the midfield unit remaining spatially compact. They either formed a flat four, with Gibbs-White in front as the single forward, or a two-three structure, with Jota and Jimenez stepping higher to accompany Gibbs-White in a more assertive structure. This second style naturally allowed for a quicker counter-attack with the ball, due to higher numbers in advanced positions after a regain.

As the first half progressed, and with Chelsea now ahead, the game became more stretched, with more frequent turnovers in possession. Wolves then had to deal with an emerging threat of Chelsea on the break, with various last-ditch tackles saving potentially lethal breakaways.

Chelsea’s dominance of the ball continued in the second half, but in order to disrupt their attacking play, Wolves were noticeably more aggressive in their duels and tackles. Despite conceding multiple fouls within their own half, they frustrated their opponents’ fluid passing combinations, causing Chelsea to become frustrated and lose concentration.

After turning the game around to lead, Wolves then prioritised an extremely compact low block, with all 11 players often defending deep in their own half. The central congestion again frustrated Chelsea, who struggled to recreate their wide combinations to attack around the sides of their opponents’ secure defensive block. The hosts were thus able to hold out for a superb and important win.