Frank Lampard’s return to Chelsea started in disaster, as the Blues were beaten 1-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux. 

Lampard returned to Chelsea as interim manager in midweek following the sacking of Graham Potter. 

Despite the managerial change, Chelsea slumped to defeat against a Wolverhampton team battling against relegation.  

Wolves midfielder Matheus Nunes scored in the 31st minute to put the Old Gold into the lead which they did not relinquish.

Wolves tactics without Ruben Neves

Without midfielder Ruben Neves, who missed out due to a suspension, Wolves were expected to concede ground in the center of the park. 

As manager Julen Lopetegui chose a 4-4-2 formation, Nunes started next to Joao Gomes. The duo played well; fans hope that there could be life after Neves, who is expected to leave in the summer.

Lopetegui also chose to start former Chelsea hero Diego Costa, who played for just over an hour before being substituted.

Chelsea dominated possession, posting over 61% of the ball. The Blues struggled to get out of first gear, as they huffed and puffed, but failed to convert chances in the final third. 

Chelsea took 13 shots but just one hit the target during the 90 minutes. Joao Felix was especially wasteful, missing four shots. 

Lampard makes lots of changes

Lampard’s starting XI was much different than what fans saw in the dying days of the Potter era. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang started as the team’s central striker in a 4-3-3 formation. 

Mykhailo Mudryk started on the left side of the attack while Christian Pulisic on the opposite wing. 

Lampard also chose Conor Gallagher from the start in midfield. 

The manager’s player selection was similar to what fans saw during his previous reign at Stamford Bridge.

Despite the changes, Chelsea couldn’t get through a stubborn Wolves defence. Indeed, it was Chelsea’s defense forced to make last-ditch tackles to stop the Old Gold from scoring. Wolves only managed a 0.60 xG compared to Chelsea’s 0.82 xG. 

The victory for Wolverhampton Wanderers moves them into 12th place ahead of Leeds United and Crystal Palace. 

Wolves are now four points ahead of the relegation zone with Brentford and a six-point relegation fixture against Leicester City on the horizon. 

The defeat leaves Chelsea in 11th place and winless in four straight matches.  

Photo credit: IMAGO / PA Images