Noni Madueke silences Wolves fans with second-half hat-trick in Chelsea victory
Noni Madueke enjoyed his trip to the midlands after all as he scored a 15-minute hat-trick in Chelsea’s stunning 6-2 win over Wolves at Molineux.
Madueke was the target of stick from the stands following his negative comments about the city of Wolverhampton in a now deleted Instagram post, but his second-half treble and a debut goal from Joao Felix gave Enzo Maresca his first win as Blues boss.
It was a brilliant second-half display from Chelsea after a breathless first 45 minutes ended 2-2.
He's starting to like this place. #CFC | #WOLCHE pic.twitter.com/rVDurNiFMK
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 25, 2024
Nicolas Jackson gave the visitors an early lead but Matheus Cunha deservedly equalised.
Against the run of play Cole Palmer put the Blues 2-1 up right before the break, but there was still time for Jorgen Strand Larsen to level deep into stoppage time.
Palmer created all three of Madueke’s goals before Pedro Neto stepped off the bench against his old side to set up Joao Felix on his second debut for the club.
Molineux was silenced early as the visitors made the breakthrough with just 99 seconds on the clock.
Palmer’s inswinging corner caused problems at the front post and was diverted into the path of Jackson who poked home.
Cunha took a disliking to Jackson celebrating in front of the Wolves faithful as both sets of players were separated by referee Darren England.
Wolves came within centimetres of the equaliser from a set piece of their own as Cunha’s corner was nodded just wide of the post by Yerson Mosquera.
The hosts thought they had their equaliser 16 minutes in but Larsen started his run too early to set up Cunha and the assistant referee’s flag cut celebrations short.
Chelsea were eventually punished.
Rayan