Maresca’s rotation pays off as Chelsea beat Wolves

Chelsea eased pressure on manager Enzo Maresca with a 3–0 victory over Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, as his rotation strategy finally produced results.

The win came days after criticism from former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, who urged Chelsea’s senior players to question Maresca’s frequent changes following their 2–2 draw with Qarabag in the Champions League.

Maresca defended his approach, saying modern football places heavy physical demands on players.

True to his word, he made eight changes to the starting lineup against Wolves.

It was the sixth straight match the Italian had made seven or more alterations, and this time, the move worked as Chelsea delivered a strong second-half performance.

The first half was uneventful, with Chelsea looking flat after their midweek trip to Azerbaijan. Wolves, still unsettled after manager Vitor Pereira’s sacking, held their own.

Chelsea finally broke through in the 51st minute. Alejandro Garnacho drove down the flank and crossed for Malo Gusto, who headed home his first professional goal.

The goal lifted the hosts’ energy, and substitute Estevao Willian made an immediate impact moments after coming on, creating the second goal in the 65th minute.

Estevao’s quick burst down the wing ended with a precise cross that Joao Pedro smashed past goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to double Chelsea’s lead.

Wolves pushed forward in search of a response, but Chelsea stayed compact and used their width to stretch the visitors’ defence.

Pedro Neto, facing his former club, completed the scoring in the 73rd minute by finishing Garnacho’s cross from close range.

The win moved Chelsea to second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal. It also marked their fourth victory in five league games.

Wolves remain bottom, eight points from safety, and are expected to appoint a new manager soon, with Middlesbrough’s Rob Edwards granted permission to hold talks.

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