Chelsea Player Ratings vs Wolves: 4/10 for Havertz, Werner; Tireless Kante gets 7

Timo Werner and Kai Havertz struggled once again while N’Golo Kante performed well as Chelsea lost 2-1 to Wolves at the Molineux on Tuesday.

In what was a bright start to the game, Edouard Mendy was called into action in the first half by Pedro Neto. Chelsea too had a few promising chances, but Olivier Groud headed over while Kurt Zouma saw his header bounce back off the crossbar.

Chelsea were able to take the lead early in the second half as Giroud volleyed home a Ben Chilwell cross in the 49th minute. The parity lasted for less than 20 minutes only, however, as Daniel Podence drew Wolves back on level terms with a fine finish, albeit via a slight deflection off of Reece James.

With Frank Lampard’s men pushing forward in search of the winning goal, they left space in behind which the hosts capitalised on as Pedro Neto capped off a speedy counter with a brilliant finish in stoppage time to seal the win for Wolves.

The result meant Chelsea succumbed to back-to-back defeats in the Premier League and failed to put pressure on the top two sides – Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool – who are set to play each other on Wednesday. Here’s how we rated the performances of the Blues’ star at the Molineux.

Edouard Mendy: 5/10

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Made a good save to deny Pedro Neto in the first period, but could not stop Podence’s equaliser as he was beaten at his near post, although the deflection did not help. Could have done better for the second goal, though, as he allowed Neto’s strike to go across him and into the far corner.

Reece James: 5/10

The right-back’s attacking influence was largely kept in check by Wolves, who were quick to get onto him and prevent him from hitting crosses into the box. Allowed Podence to get the better of him for the equalising goal. Will have had his heart in his mouth when a penalty was awarded against him, but the call was rightly reversed. Caught upfield in the lead-up to Neto’s winner, though.

Kurt Zouma: 6/10

Could have had another goal with a thumping header in the first half, but saw his effort bounce off the woodwork. Had stayed fairly solid at the back throughout, until the last moment when he was beaten all ends up by Neto for Wolves’ winning goal.

Thiago Silva: 6/10

The veteran defender oozed calmness and composure as usual at the back, keeping things tight for the majority of the game. Made two interceptions and three clearances on the evening. However, it was his poor clearing header that fell to Podence leading to the equalising goal.

Ben Chilwell: 7/10

Combined well with Christian Pulisic down the left side with most of Chelsea’s attacking threat coming from their flank. Sent in a number of dangerous crosses and it was his corner that Giroud headed over in the first half. Got the assist for the Frenchman’s goal with another well-hit cross. Ended with three key passes and interceptions each.

Kai Havertz: 4/10

After an ineffective outing on the wings against Everton, the club-record signing was moved into a central role, but once again, he struggled to make the desired impact. Tried hard, but little went Havertz’s way as he was let down by poor touches time and again. Failed to make a single pass or complete a single dribble. Instead, was dribbled past on four occasions and lost possession ten times.

N’Golo Kante: 7/10

A tireless performance from the Frenchman, who went about putting out fires in the defensive half to keep Wolves in check. Had added responsibilities, considering the other two midfielders had the licence to attack and stuck to his task well. Used the ball sharply to instigate attacks. Made one interception, two tackles and two clearances, while also playing two key passes.

Mason Mount: 6/10

Good link-up with Pulisic on the left side in the first period, with their movement and interchanging positions causing the hosts problems. Worked hard off the ball as well, making a couple of tackles. However, he could not make a telling impact on the proceedings. It was his corner that Zouma headed against the woodwork in the first half.

Timo Werner: 4/10

Should have connected better with Pulisic’s cut-back in the first period and failed to control the ball when presented with another chance in the second half. Was loose in possession, failed to link up effectively and could not really muster up much of a threat in the final third. Lacking in rhythm, the German ace striker has now gone eight games without a goal in all competitions.

Olivier Giroud: 6.5/10

Should have done better with his chance in the first half when he headed over the bar. Could not react quickly enough to pounce on the rebound after Zouma hit the woodwork. But showed his goalscoring instincts to open the scoring with a thumping volley from inside the box. Did not do much of note apart from that, though.

Christian Pulisic: 6.5/10

Back after missing the last game with an injury, the USMNT star provided plenty of spark and cutting edge on the left side, giving Nelson Semedo all sorts of problems in the first half. Created a chance for Werner and was constantly trying to make things happen. However, his influence faded with time and the move to the right flank did not help matters.

SUBSTITUTES

Tammy Abraham: 5/10

Replaced Giroud in the 71st minute. Could not influence the proceedings in the little time that he had.

Mateo Kovacic: 5/10

On for Havertz for the final twenty minutes or so. Tried to have a go at the goal from distance on a couple of occasions but was blocked.