Noni Madueke delivered a hat-trick as Chelsea overwhelmed Wolves 6-2, securing Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League win as Blues manager. Meanwhile, Newcastle controversially salvaged a 1-1 draw against Bournemouth on Sunday.
After a tough 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend in Maresca’s league debut, Chelsea bounced back in style, building on their UEFA Conference League win over Servette by unleashing a goal blitz at Molineux.
Chelsea struck early, with Nicolas Jackson heading in from close range after just 98 seconds, taking advantage of Matheus Cunha’s failed clearance. Wolves’ supporters were already riled by Madueke’s controversial social media post about Wolverhampton, which he later deleted.
Cunha equalized in the 27th minute with a powerful shot past Robert Sanchez following a Chelsea turnover, giving Wolves hope with a samba-infused celebration. But Chelsea regained the lead just before half-time when Cole Palmer chipped a delicate lob over Wolves keeper Jose Sa.
Despite Wolves briefly leveling the score again through Jorgen Strand Larsen after Chelsea struggled to clear a free-kick, the Blues ran riot in the second half. Madueke netted twice more, both assisted by Palmer, and sealed his hat-trick with another clinical finish through Sa’s legs.
Joao Felix, fresh from his permanent transfer to Chelsea, came off the bench to complete the demolition with a thunderous strike in the 80th minute.
In the day’s other match, Newcastle were behind after Marcus Tavernier scored following a Joelinton error. Anthony Gordon pulled one back in the 76th minute, but VAR denied Bournemouth a last-gasp winner, ruling out Dango Ouattara’s goal for handball.
Later on Sunday, Arne Slot is set to lead Liverpool at home for the first time in a league match against Brentford, following his appointment as manager after Jurgen Klopp’s departure.
