Diego Costa did not get the opportunity to say farewell to the Chelsea fans when he left the club under such a cloud in 2017 following a dispute with Antonio Conte. The center forward was able to accomplish it in this instance, albeit not how he desired.
Costa’s 56-minute debut as a starter for Wolves had no impact, as his club trailed 2-0 and was on the verge of another loss when his number was called. It must have hurt the archrival opponent.
Despite this, Costa chose to enjoy the moment. As play resumed, he walked the scenic path around the field and in front of the Matthew Harding Stand because he was on the opposite side of the dugouts. After winning two Premier League titles and scoring 52 goals in 89 league appearances for Chelsea, his place in the hearts of the supporters is assured, as seen by the adulation he received.
There were smiles from Costa, and high-fives from a few fans, and it is unclear what those in the visiting enclosure thought.
However, Costa was only a sideshow, no matter how entertaining. On the heels of last Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Milan, Chelsea displayed another solid effort in this match. That and the Wolves’ ongoing difficulties in the final quarter.
They have scored only three league goals this season, which was a major factor in their decision to fire Bruno Lage last Sunday. Under temporary manager Steve Davis, they generated a few promising opportunities, but they never appeared to have the necessary conviction.
In the 70th minute, when Adama Traoré crossed for Costa’s replacement, Hwang Hee-chan, opportunity knocked. The space was present, but the conclusion was lacking. It summed up the situation for the Wolves.
Kai Havertz’s looping header in first-half stoppage time provided the catalyst for Chelsea’s triumph, which was deserved. To the displeasure of the Wolves, the goal was scored after the permitted additional time.
Armando Broja, who came on as a substitute, rounded out the scoring with his first goal for the club. Christian Pulisic scored the second goal, his first of the season, which will surely give him a boost.
Only three outfield players from the starting lineup against Milan were retained by Graham Potter: Kalidou Koulibaly, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Mason Mount. Not present were, among others, Reece James, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
A gamble or a decision was borne of necessity, with so many upcoming games? It was predominantly the latter, with Potter emphasizing that he cannot rely on only 11 players. In any case, it worked.
Costa continues to resemble the street fighter he was during his Chelsea days – socks slightly rolled down, all strutting attitude – and he nearly shaped the game early on by cutting wide and crossing for Matheus Nunes. The midfielder was unable to make clean contact with his volley. That would be the best that could be said for Costa.
Davis, whose options were limited by injury and suspension, admitted after the game that he had intended to substitute Costa at halftime, but would have given him a little more time based on the physical data analysts’ recommendations.
As for what Davis will do this week, he stated that he will continue working until instructed to stop. The Wolves plan to acquire Julen Lopetegui as Lage’s permanent replacement.
Potter reverted to a back four, even though it was more of a back three in possession, with César Azpilicueta pushed high. Azpilicueta was dominant in the first half, constantly finding space, and home fans were growing increasingly frustrated until Havertz scored.
Chelsea’s opportunities had come and gone, with Wolves at times riding their luck in their area. Jorginho’s shot was stopped deftly by José Sá, as was Pulisic’s curler for the far top corner. Chelsea could also point to an early Conor Gallagher shot that went wide of the far post and a Pulisic header from an Azpilicueta cross that went high.
The Havertz goal felt soft from the Wolves’ perspective, even though it was set up by a great Mount cross from the right flank. Havertz teamed up with Nélson Semedo, and Sá was caught off guard by the looping header, which hung in the air for what seemed like an eternity before dropping in.
Nunes was a driving presence on the ball and a bright spot for the Wolves. His finest moment occurred at the 22-minute mark when he unleashed Goncalo Guedes with a beautiful pass after an aggressive run. Guedes was fouled at the edge of the penalty box, and Joo Moutinho beat Kepa Arrizabalaga with the resulting free-kick.
Havertz should have had more opportunities in the second half after heading high and missing a one-on-one with Sá, but Mount set up Pulisic with a beautiful reverse ball. Broja had the last word, slicing through Max Kilman to reach the farthest corner.
