da betway： Mauricio Pochettino watched on in horror as his forwards put in another meek display in the final third

da brdice： Chelsea's miserable 2023 continued as they suffered a 19th Premier League defeat of the calendar year at Molineux on Christmas Eve, with Wolves running out 2-1 winners. Mario Lemina's second half header gave Wolves the lead in the 51st minute after some slack marking, before substitute Matt Doherty pounced on a mistake from Benoit Badiashile in the 93rd minute.

Substitute Christopher Nkunku set up a nervy finish with a lovely header three minutes later but it was not enough as Gary O'Neil's side secured all three points and drew level with 10th-placed Chelsea on points after 18 games.

Sterling and Jackson had excellent chances for the Blues, who were sloppy and ill-disciplined throughout, but they lacked the quality required to get something from the game. The result means they have the joint worst record in the division for 2023, with only Nottingham Forest, Fulham, and Bournemouth losing as many fixtures (19).

GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Molineux…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Dorde Petrovic (6/10):

Got teammate Levi Colwill out of a bind with some rapid covering work outside his box and made a great point-blank save to deny Toti Gomes. Could have commanded his area a bit better, though.

Malo Gusto (5/10):

Provided plenty of overlapping runs to stretch Wolves' defence but some of his defending and clearances need quite a bit of work. A sloppy outing.

Axel Disasi (5/10):

Didn't look very solid at the back, particularly when he was robbed by Matheus Cunha in his own half. Unlikely to start in this role too often off the back of this display.

Thiago Silva (6/10):

Made some good headed clearances but nearly cost his side dearly when he inexplicably lost the ball just outside his box early in the second half.

Levi Colwill (6/10):

Was caught out of position once or twice in the first half. Doesn't always look comfortable at left-back, compared to when he's in the heart of the defence.

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Lesley Ugochukwu (5/10):

Didn't do a great deal in midfield and then was unable to stop Lemina nodding in the opener. It was a tough afternoon for the 19-year-old, who came off around the hour mark with an injury.

Conor Gallagher (7/10):

Was Chelsea's midfield engine and played with real quality and intensity. Continued to work hard but didn't get the help from his teammates in an enterprising display. He is one of the Blues' best players right now, at a time where he is being linked with a transfer exit.

Nicolas Jackson (5/10):

Played in a less advanced role to accommodate Armando Broja and looked a bit out of sorts. His touch let him down on multiple occasions when in good positions.

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Cole Palmer (7/10):

Wasn't at his best but looked sharp enough and was one of Chelsea's few threatening players. Got his foot on the ball as the game wore on.

Raheem Sterling (6/10):

Largely had the beating of Wolves right-back Nelson Semedo, with the ubiquitous winger repeatedly popping up in dangerous positions. Missed a glorious opportunity in the first half when he should have squared to a teammate. Had a great chance to equalise in the second half but his extra touch allowed Wolves to get back and cover. Went some way to redeeming himself with a nice cross to set up Nkunku in second-half stoppage time.

Armando Broja (5/10):

Perhaps took a touch too many in the box to spurn a good chance early on. Did very little when he was given a rare start.

Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Mykhailo Mudryk (5/10):

Tried to add an injection of pace and ingenuity when he came on but failed to prove it.

Christopher Nkunku (7/10):

Had a shot cleared off the line soon after he came on and took his goal really well with a cushioned header.

Benoit Badiashile (5/10):

Was at fault for Wolves' second as his poor clearance beautifully set up substitute Matt Doherty.

Noni Madueke (5/10):

Seemed a bit off the pace in his cameo display.

Ian Maatsen (N/A):

Did very little when he came on.

Mauricio Pochettino (5/10):

Doesn't seem like Chelsea have much of a game plan or clear style of play under the Argentine manager. Failed to kick on from their Carabao Cup win over Newcastle United in midweek and his substitutes were ineffective.