Wolves player ratings gallery vs Chelsea: One scores 9/10 and five 8s in huge 1-0 win

Wolverhampton Wanderers took a huge step towards surviving relegation from the Premier League with a narrow 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Molineux on Saturday afternoon. It was a disappointing second Blues managerial debut for Frank Lampard as Wolves dominated the first half and then defended superbly in the second. Matheus Nunes’ 32nd-minute wonder strike was the difference; a sweetly-hit half-volley that flew in just below the upright with power. The away side improved in the second half with a whole host of substitutions applying pressure, but it wasn’t enough as Wolves held on for a vital three points to move up to 12th in the table.

It was a slow start for both teams but the hosts definitely edged it in the opening half an hour. Wanderers had more of the ball and looked threatening down the right flank with Matheus Nunes and Nelson Semedo working well to allow an overlap. Plenty of corners flew in for the home side, with one leading to the first shot on target of the encounter as Toti Gomes headed from a Nunes corner, but it was tame and easily saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga. Soon after, Mario Lemina had a good chance as he found space on the edge of the area from yet another corner, but his 25-yard strike was deflected just wide of the left post.

Still in the ascendency passing the half-hour mark, Wanderers kept pressing for an opener and they deservedly got one in the 32nd minute. Nunes, who had looked like a real threat down the right beforehand, was left open from a failed Chelsea clearance and he shot on the bounce. It was an audacious attempt as he was some way from goal - perhaps 20 yards - but Nunes struck it to perfection as the ball soared into the top left-hand corner. Kepa had absolutely no chance of stopping that one – an utterly world-class strike from a tight angle.

Diego Costa had an opportunity to make it two to the good five minutes later as Matheus Cunha worked some space and his shot was deflected into Costa’s path. Closed down by Kepa and at a tight angle, the veteran striker got an effort away on his weaker left foot but it was smothered by the Chelsea goalkeeper. The away side finally managed their first shot on the target of the afternoon just before the break as Joao Felix peeled away from his man on the edge of the area, but Jose Sa did well to get low and hold onto the ball.

The visitors started the second half with far more urgency, restricting Wanderers to their own defensive third. Just like for Wolves in the first period, much of the threat came down the right flank, with Reece James often getting beyond Semedo. Chelsea, pressing very high up the field, did leave themselves rather exposed at times and Lopetegui’s side found themselves on the counter attack on a few occasions. Costa was too slow when dribbling with the ball, however, while Nunes was perhaps a little worn out by the time he had a chance or two to shoot.

Lampard used all of his substitutions to try and apply pressure in the closing stages and it helped the away side dominate possession, but Wolves defended brilliantly to stop any clear-cut opportunities. The ball occasionally got in between the lines but there was always a defender to clear, with The Blues not clinical enough when they did get any shots on goal. It was a painful end to the game for match-winner Nunes, as he threw himself in front of a Chelsea effort and landed awkwardly. The Portuguese limped off the field causing concern after some top bravery. After an incredibly tense final few minutes the whistle blew and Molineux erupted, knowing the result could potentially be a turning point for Wolves’ season. Here are our player ratings.