The Spain stopper threatened to derail Chelsea's top-four bid further but Enzo Maresca's men fought well and ran out deserved winners
Chelsea ended a run of five Premier League games without a win by beating Wolves 3-1 on Monday night.
Enzo Maresca's side were in serious need of restoring momentum to a flailing top-four charge having dropped out of the Champions League qualification spots recently, and were on song to pick up three valuable points and climb back above fifth-place Manchester City ahead of this weekend's trip to the Etihad Stadium.
The hosts dominated possession in the opening stages and had the ball in the net midway into the first half through Tosin after Reece James fired a shot through a crowd of bodies following a corner, with the centre-back swiftly swivelling and finishing past Jose Sa. The flag went up for offside, but after a VAR check, the decision was reversed and his goal was confirmed.
Chelsea appeared to be heading toward a half-time lead, only to concede in added time. A corner from Matheus Cunha flew towards the near post but was dropped by goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, allowing Matt Doherty to prod in from close range.
On the hour mark, the Blues went back in front. Noni Madueke's deep cross was nodded on by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and into the box-crashing Marc Cucurella, who had time to adjust his feet and scramble the ball over the line.
Shortly after, Chelsea added their third. Cole Palmer's free-kick from towards the corner flag was headed back down by the returning Trevoh Chalobah and converted on the goal-line by Madueke.
Nicolas Jackson thought he had scored the Blues' fourth having met a threaded through ball from Palmer, only for a late offside flag to deny him, and VAR was not Chelsea's friend on this occasion with the goal ruled out.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
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Robert Sanchez (3/10):
Chelsea have brought in many goalkeepers in the BlueCo era, yet it remains their number one problem position. Only Ipswich's Arijanet Muric (five) has committed more errors leading to a goal in the Premier League this season than Sanchez (four) after he dropped the ball at the feet of Doherty. Made some decent saves in the second half at least.
Reece James (7/10):
Made his first Premier League start since November's draw with Manchester United (Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy was still in interim charge of the Red Devils, just to highlight how long ago that was). Did well to silence Cunha from open play and asserted his authority in every challenge. Came off for Disasi towards the end of the night.
Tosin Adarabioyo (8/10):
Who would have predicted such a scoring surge from Tosin? Now up to four goals in Chelsea colours and was solid in his defensive duties to boot.
Trevoh Chalobah (8/10):
Back from Crystal Palace and straight into the starting lineup – a move which caught the club's editorial team off guard. Formed a fine partnership with Tosin and was cruelly denied a goal when Madueke essentially stole it from him on the line. That chalked up an assist for his troubles, so, every cloud.
Marc Cucurella (7/10):
Threatened to meet several crosses even before popping up with his goal after an hour, with Wolves flummoxed at how to defend a left-back who was crashing their box. Ended the game playing in midfield.
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Moises Caicedo (6/10):
Far more comfortable back in midfield as opposed to right-back. Broke up play in a scrappy midfield battle.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (7/10):
Has had to wait until January to make his first Premier League start for Chelsea following his summer arrival from Leicester. Made a fine impression with an excellent range of passing before coming up with an assist for Cucurella. Subbed for Gusto.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Strangely quiet in the first half but the game started to open up when he started registering more touches after the interval. It was his free-kick which led to Madueke's goal. Given a rest towards the end when taken off for Felix.
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Noni Madueke (7/10):
Tormented Wolves (plus the citizens of Wolverhampton) back in August, and though he wasn't quite as successful with all his endeavours on his occasion, he still gave the visitors plenty of headaches. Would estimate his header to stoop in Chalobah's came in at 0.99 expected goals. Replaced by George for the last few minutes.
Nicolas Jackson (5/10):
For the most part wasn't on the same wavelength as his team-mates and brought frustration from both them and the home supporters. Won the free-kick leading to Madueke's goal with some neat trickery out of the corner, but that was as positive as his contribution got.
Pedro Neto (5/10):
Lacked adventure and seemingly confidence, often cutting inside and passing the ball back. Booed by the Wolves fans who used to sing his name. Replaced by Sancho immediately after Cucurella's goal.
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Jadon Sancho (6/10):
Came on for Neto. Showed flashes of flair but the game had died down by the time he entered the pitch.
Malo Gusto (6/10):
Replaced Dewsbury-Hall for the final 15 minutes.
Axel Disasi (6/10):
There were a few murmurs of discontent when he was brought on for James.
Joao Felix (N/A):
On for Palmer though didn't have time to get too involved.
Tyrique George (N/A):
Made his Premier League debut in place of Madueke.
Enzo Maresca (8/10):
Chelsea responded brilliantly to the surprise setback heading into the break with a strong second-half display.
