Chelsea vs Wolves: The One that Hazard rescued... just

This guy though... <3

It's not been a season to write home about for Chelsea supporters. On the pitch the football has often looked ponderous while the the seeds of discontent continue to grow in the stands. If ever a match fully encapsulated what the season has been like - look no further than Sunday's clash with Wolves.

It was the perfect opportunity to capitalise on Tottenham's annual implosion and the possibility of Manchester United and / or Arsenal dropping points, to reestablish a position in the top four. Or at least make a statement of intent. But once again, the tactics were wrong against a motivated side led by a savvy manager. One of the two managers in Stamford Bridge's dugout got their tactics spot on -- spoiler alert, it wasn't Maurizio Sarri.


The manager has time and again this season shown that he is so dedicated to his 'Plan A' that despite the handful of times he has broken from type and saw successful results and performances he still reverts back to a system that isn't working. Why? I will give some credit for dropping the 'regista' thing after struggling to break down Wolves impressive golden wall of defence. But more creativity was certainly needed.

Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were both dispatched to instil some youthful enterprise, it wasn't nearly enough. CHO in particular seemed to struggle with the task at hand. Doing neither any favours was persisting with Gonzalo 'Dad Bod' Higuain. DB has had his moments this season but looked out of his depth against Wolves set up. A large French World Cup winner may have been the ticket to create space and hold up the ball for the pair of youngsters. And Chelsea might well have come away with more than a point - even if it wasn't deserved on the balance of play.

I will begrudgingly admit that Eden Hazard was not his normal effervescent self. However, that stunning goal to equalise just about obliterates the shadow of any struggles he may have had in the 90 minutes that preceded it. Where did that flipping come from?! The little Belgian isn't always prolific in front of goal but if that doesn't win some sort of goal of the month, then I don't know what would? In that moment he showed why Chelsea should still be moving heaven and earth to keep him happy. And in London! He's now joined Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba as the only players to net fifty Premier League goals at Stamford Bridge. Decent company to be in.

Roll on Thursday for Chelsea's trip to Kiev!

And then Friday when we find out out Chelsea's Europa League opponent Arsenal for the quarter-finals.

jb xx