Noni Madueke’s hat-trick secured Chelsea’s first Premier League win of the season in a thrilling and chaotic match against Wolves.
Chelsea struck early, taking the lead just 98 seconds into the game when Cole Palmer’s inswinging corner was unintentionally flicked on by Matheus Cunha, allowing an unmarked Nicolas Jackson to head the ball in at the back post.
Jackson’s celebration further ignited an already intense atmosphere at Molineux, spurring Wolves on the field.
Rayan Ait-Nouri’s brilliant run set up Matheus Cunha, who equalized for Wolves with a sharp, low finish from inside the box, followed by a taunt directed at the Chelsea players.
Cole Palmer then put Chelsea back in front with a delicate lob from 30 yards, capitalizing on Jose Sa being off his line.
Wolves drew level again shortly before halftime when Jorgen Strand Larsen tapped in from the edge of the six-yard box after a free-kick was squared across the goal.
However, England Under-21 forward Noni Madueke settled the match with a second-half hat-trick in just 14 minutes. All three goals were strikingly similar, as the winger scored with low, angled shots from inside the area, each set up by Palmer.
Joao Felix added the finishing touch to the result late in the game, side-footing the ball high into the net from near the penalty spot after receiving a precise pass from fellow substitute and former Wolves winger, Pedro Neto.
Wolves’ villain, Chelsea’s hero
This was a thrilling and frenetic match that kept you on the edge of your seat, especially in the first half.
The game was filled with exhilarating attacking play and numerous chances, with tension running high throughout.
It’s almost unbelievable that referee Darren England didn’t issue the first yellow card until just after the half-hour mark.
The tension had already been building before the match, sparked by an Instagram post from Madueke on Saturday night that seemed less than flattering about the city of Wolverhampton.
A charged Molineux crowd predictably jeered the 22-year-old’s every touch, making it easy for him to fade under pressure.
However, Madueke rose to the occasion, embracing the challenge and refusing to back down despite the boos from the fans in old gold.
His finishing for his three goals was outstanding, although the first one did take a deflection that left Sa helpless.
Madueke has now scored more Premier League goals in Wolverhampton than at Stamford Bridge (two in 18 games).
Perhaps his opinion of the city will change after this unforgettable performance.