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Chelsea 0-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Thomas Tuchel suffers frustrating start

By Neil JohnstonBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section Premier Leaguecomments835

Wolves player Leander Dendoncker heads a chance wide during his side's Premier League game with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Wolves have failed to score in the first half in 14 Premier League games this season - only Sheffield United (15) and Newcastle United (16) have done so more often

Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea reign got off to a frustrating start as Wolves secured a point in a drab stalemate at Stamford Bridge.

Tuchel, appointed boss on Tuesday following the sacking of Frank Lampard, took his place in the dugout after conducting one training session with his new team.

But the German was given an indication of the huge challenge facing him as Chelsea struggled to carve out chances against a Wolves side short of confidence and without a top-flight win since 15 December.

Rui Patricio produced good saves to keep out Antonio Rudiger's header and Callum Hudson-Odoi's deflected attempt, while Chelsea's 433 successful passes were the most by a Tuchel team in the first half of a top-flight game since May 2016.

Ben Chilwell sent a rare chance over the bar but Wolves, who hit the bar through Pedro Neto and gave a debut to striker Willian Jose, were good value for their point.

Very good feeling for the future - Tuchel

New arrival Tuchel an animated presence

When Lampard took charge of his first league match at Stamford Bridge in August 2019 - a 1-1 draw with Leicester - fans unfurled a 'Welcome Home Super Frank' banner.

With no supporters allowed inside the ground because of the coronavirus pandemic, there was no such fanfare for Tuchel, who went straight to his seat in the dugout when he appeared from the tunnel dressed in a blue club coat.

Reminders of the previous regime were evident inside Stamford Bridge.

A 'Super Frankie Lampard' banner remained on display but the arrival of a new boss inevitably heralded change and England trio Mason Mount, Reece James and Tammy Abraham, who had made 39 Premier League starts between them under Lampard this season, started on the bench.

Tuchel was animated throughout, the German at one stage throwing his arms in the air after Hudson-Odoi clipped a cross to the back post only for Chilwell to put it wide.

He repeated the gesture in the second half when Chilwell fired another chance over the bar and Mateo Kovacic went close from long distance.

Former Borussia Dortmund and Paris St-Germain boss Tuchel will demand more urgency from his players, who were pedestrian for spells.

Having conceded 77 goals in 57 Premier League games under Lampard, Chelsea will take some comfort in a clean sheet.

But Tuchel knows he has to get expensive signings like Timo Werner and Kai Havertz firing - and Chelsea winning.

Nuno 'happy' with 'committed' Wolves

A move in the right direction

Wolves are without a Premier League win in seven games but they dug deep to take a valuable point back to the Black Country - despite failing to register an attempt on target.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side have endured a torrid time since beating Chelsea, thanks to Neto's 95th-minute winner, at Molineux on 15 December.

They arrived in London having picked up just two points from a possible 18.

Yet they stifled Chelsea for spells on their way to a first top-flight clean sheet since 30 October.

Wolves have struggled since losing Raul Jimenez to serious injury but Nuno will hope the arrival of new loan signing Jose, who has scored 62 goals in 170 appearances for Real Sociedad - as well as the return of Daniel Podence from injury - will push his team on after an awkward spell of results.

They went close to securing all three points when Neto lifted the ball beyond Edouard Mendy, the Portugal winger's attempt landing on top of the bar.

'We will build a team nobody wants to play against'

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel: "I don't see too many weaknesses. I will focus on our strengths, the mix is amazing of the team between experienced players, big personalities and young, hungry talent.

"I'm used to creating the special energy and atmosphere you need to create the possibility to win every three days in a league like this.

"We will build a team that nobody wants to play against."

Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo: "We had a game plan, we stuck to it and we came out of it with a good point."

First since Benitez - the best of the stats

  • Thomas Tuchel is the first Chelsea manager since Rafael Benitez in November 2012 to draw his first game in charge of the club, which was also a 0-0 at Stamford Bridge (v Manchester City).
  • Tuchel has seen his team keep a clean sheet in each of their past four league games (three for Paris St-Germain and one for Chelsea), going 415 minutes of play in total since last seeing a side of his concede (versus Lyon on 13 December).
  • Wolves are unbeaten against Chelsea home and away for the second time in the past three Premier League seasons.
  • Chelsea had 78.9% possession and completed 820 passes against Wolves - since the start of 2003-04, these are both the highest totals by a team in their manager's first Premier League game in charge.
  • Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has made 25 home league appearances under Thomas Tuchel (between PSG and Chelsea), and is yet to finish on the losing side (W22 D3).

What's next?

Chelsea host Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday (12:00 GMT), while Wolves return to London on Saturday to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (15:00).

Player of the match

Rui PatrícioRui Patrício

with an average of 7.32

Chelsea

  1. Squad number19Player nameMount
    Average rating

    6.53

  2. Squad number20Player nameHudson-Odoi
    Average rating

    6.39

  3. Squad number10Player namePulisic
    Average rating

    5.59

  4. Squad number6Player nameThiago Silva
    Average rating

    5.44

  5. Squad number16Player nameMendy
    Average rating

    5.19

  6. Squad number17Player nameKovacic
    Average rating

    5.06

  7. Squad number9Player nameAbraham
    Average rating

    4.94

  8. Squad number28Player nameAzpilicueta
    Average rating

    4.93

  9. Squad number21Player nameChilwell
    Average rating

    4.89

  10. Squad number18Player nameGiroud
    Average rating

    4.85

  11. Squad number22Player nameZiyech
    Average rating

    4.82

  12. Squad number2Player nameRüdiger
    Average rating

    4.73

  13. Squad number29Player nameHavertz
    Average rating

    4.68

  14. Squad number5Player nameJorginho
    Average rating

    4.32

Wolverhampton Wanderers

  1. Squad number11Player nameRui Patrício
    Average rating

    7.32

  2. Squad number15Player nameBoly
    Average rating

    7.07

  3. Squad number16Player nameCoady
    Average rating

    7.07

  4. Squad number7Player namePedro Neto
    Average rating

    6.96

  5. Squad number49Player nameKilman
    Average rating

    6.87

  6. Squad number22Player nameNélson Semedo
    Average rating

    6.71

  7. Squad number8Player nameRúben Neves
    Average rating

    6.62

  8. Squad number32Player nameDendoncker
    Average rating

    6.58

  9. Squad number12Player nameWillian José
    Average rating

    6.40

  10. Squad number2Player nameHoever
    Average rating

    6.36

  11. Squad number10Player nameDaniel Podence
    Average rating

    6.34

  12. Squad number3Player nameAït-Nouri
    Average rating

    6.06

  13. Squad number37Player nameTraoré
    Average rating

    6.04

  14. Squad number28Player nameJoão Moutinho
    Average rating

    5.97

Line-ups

Chelsea

Formation 3-4-2-1

  • 16Mendy
  • 28Azpilicueta
  • 6Thiago Silva
  • 2Rüdiger
  • 20Hudson-Odoi
  • 5Jorginho
  • 17Kovacic
  • 21ChilwellBooked at 62minsSubstituted forPulisicat 76'minutes
  • 22ZiyechSubstituted forMountat 83'minutes
  • 29Havertz
  • 18GiroudSubstituted forAbrahamat 77'minutes

Substitutes

  • 1Arrizabalaga
  • 3Alonso
  • 9Abraham
  • 10Pulisic
  • 11Werner
  • 15Zouma
  • 19Mount
  • 24James
  • 33Emerson

Wolves

Formation 3-4-1-2

  • 11Rui Patrício
  • 15Boly
  • 16Coady
  • 49Kilman
  • 22Nélson Semedo
  • 32Dendoncker
  • 8Neves
  • 3Aït-NouriSubstituted forHoeverat 45'minutes
  • 10PodenceSubstituted forDa Silvaat 72'minutes
  • 37TraoréSubstituted forJoão Moutinhoat 90'minutes
  • 7NetoBooked at 51mins

Substitutes

  • 2Hoever
  • 12Da Silva
  • 17Fábio Silva
  • 20Vitinha
  • 21Ruddy
  • 23Cutrone
  • 27Saïss
  • 28João Moutinho
  • 54Otasowie
Referee:
Andy Madley

Match Stats

Home TeamChelseaAway TeamWolves
Possession
Home79%
Away21%
Shots
Home14
Away4
Shots on Target
Home5
Away0
Corners
Home13
Away1
Fouls
Home14
Away7

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Chelsea 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Chelsea 0, Wolverhampton Wanderers 0.

  3. Post update

    Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Willian José.

  4. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Kai Havertz (Chelsea) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mason Mount with a cross.

  5. Post update

    Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Nélson Semedo.

  6. Post update

    Mateo Kovacic (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  7. Post update

    Foul by Willian José (Wolverhampton Wanderers).

  8. Substitution

    Substitution, Wolverhampton Wanderers. João Moutinho replaces Adama Traoré.

  9. Post update

    Foul by Jorginho (Chelsea).

  10. Post update

    Willian José (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  11. Post update

    Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Willy Boly.

  12. Post update

    Foul by Christian Pulisic (Chelsea).

  13. Post update

    Pedro Neto (Wolverhampton Wanderers) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  14. Post update

    Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Rui Patrício.

  15. Post update

    Attempt saved. Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea) right footed shot from the left side of the box is saved in the bottom right corner. Assisted by Mateo Kovacic.

  16. Post update

    Mason Mount (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  17. Post update

    Foul by Rúben Neves (Wolverhampton Wanderers).

  18. Post update

    Thiago Silva (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  19. Post update

    Foul by Willian José (Wolverhampton Wanderers).

  20. Post update

    Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Nélson Semedo.

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835 comments

  • Comment posted by ham tylers special ammo, at 20:02 27 Jan

    I thought we was going to get smashed tonight. Definitely pleased with a point and a clean sheet. Oh and I’m a Wolves fan not Chelsea. 🤣🤣

    • Reply posted by PsychLove, at 20:06 27 Jan

      PsychLove replied:
      Why did you think you would get smashed, Chelsea have been poor for months and sitting in 10th and wolves are a decent side. Wolves took parking the bus to a new level tonight, have a bit of ambition ffs.

  • Comment posted by Lillywhite74, at 20:03 27 Jan

    Tuchel Out !!!!!

  • Comment posted by MattySW, at 19:58 27 Jan

    Can anyone tell me if Jorghino is okay? I mean mentally as well is physically after that assault by 5'7, 9stone Pedro Neto? Absolutely floored him!

    • Reply posted by PsychLove, at 20:22 27 Jan

      PsychLove replied:
      As a Chelsea fan I hope not, I think I speak for all blues fans when I say I'd be very happy if he never played a minute for the club again.

  • Comment posted by Jake2703, at 20:04 27 Jan

    Frank Lampard still has more farewells from Chelsea(2) than Kai Havertz has PL goals(1).

    • Reply posted by ordinary footie fan, at 22:29 27 Jan

      ordinary footie fan replied:
      Now that’s what I call a proper stat👍👍👍

  • Comment posted by yeah ok, at 20:02 27 Jan

    Tuchel out

    What Chelsea need is a club legend who knows the set up inside out

    • Reply posted by birdman, at 20:20 27 Jan

      birdman replied:
      Hahahahahhahaha

  • Comment posted by Jones, at 20:01 27 Jan

    Good luck Tuchel..........!

    Whatever happens, just think of the money.

    • Reply posted by whosdatdandare, at 20:09 27 Jan

      whosdatdandare replied:
      Like he didn’t before he signed!

  • Comment posted by Kcrusader, at 20:02 27 Jan

    Much needed back to basic for Wolves and a much needed clean sheet and point. Chelsea seemed devoid of any ideas. Boring game but will take the point all things considered.

    • Reply posted by PsychLove, at 20:19 27 Jan

      PsychLove replied:
      Because you had 11 men around the perimeter of your box for 99% of the game, that's the worst I've seen a team park a bus all season from any team, I thought Wolves played good football?

  • Comment posted by Ron swanson, at 20:00 27 Jan

    Tuchel made his mark? Jorghino shouln't be anywhere near the side. A giraffe can sort its feet out better than Rudiger. Hoddle couldn't think of a MOM? He shpuld have given it to Mount for the 15 minutes he played. Sarri 2.0.

    • Reply posted by Potsie, at 20:06 27 Jan

      Potsie replied:
      Spot on, Mount our best player

  • Comment posted by ewentm, at 20:00 27 Jan

    Not Tuchels fault
    He’s had one day at the club
    That was down to the players poor performance

    • Reply posted by bencat, at 20:11 27 Jan

      bencat replied:
      Couldnt agree more, thank god someones sane

  • Comment posted by adam, at 20:03 27 Jan

    Definitely watched the wrong game. Chelsea players just don’t move when off the ball. Every team has sussed that if they get behind the ball then Chelsea will have 0 creativity in breaking through. This is coming from a Chelsea fan too

    • Reply posted by PsychLove, at 20:27 27 Jan

      PsychLove replied:
      Well good news for you, if you're a Chelsea you watched the correct game.

  • Comment posted by Abrahamisadiver, at 20:12 27 Jan

    Football is so boring to watch now, every team seems more interested in keeping the ball or putting 11 men behind the ball, it’s getting ridiculous.

    • Reply posted by U19253393, at 20:15 27 Jan

      U19253393 replied:
      I agree, it is rubbish to watch, maybe soon when the grounds are full of fans the players will be forced to get back to proper football and Football only.

  • Comment posted by tatlock, at 20:19 27 Jan

    Commentator stated that Tuchel was a student of European football. Must have missed the Chelsea chapter. He picks troublemaker & the worst CB at the club Rudiger, plays Jorginho who looked as if he was pulling a plough tonight (as opposed to his usual caravan), leaves player of the season & England international Mason Mount on the bench, but claimed he went for experience. His team were awful.

    • Reply posted by Sami, at 22:06 27 Jan

      Sami replied:
      Interesting also that Marcos Alonso was kitted up on a matchday for the first time in months. Saved from being moved on by transfer ban in 2919, saved from being moved on by Covid in 2020. Apparently back on board. Worrying for the kids.

  • Comment posted by i porter, at 20:13 27 Jan

    Sorry Chelsea but we've been poor last 5/6 games so we had to frustrate you and try to hit you on the break...Well happy with a point.Wolves ay we

  • Comment posted by QPR 67, at 20:02 27 Jan

    From a QPR prospective the carry on at Chelsea is as hilarious as it is at our club..

    • Reply posted by Have a nice day, at 22:37 27 Jan

      Have a nice day replied:
      Could be worse, look what happened to Man U tonight!

  • Comment posted by The Centurions, at 20:14 27 Jan

    What a waste of 90+ minutes that was. 😴😴

  • Comment posted by bencat, at 20:03 27 Jan

    Hope that Tuchel can now see how important mount is to our midfield, playing to holders like jorginho and Kovacic together is always drab nevermind when havertz is lacking any form. COYB

    • Reply posted by Daves nan, at 20:19 27 Jan

      Daves nan replied:
      Like Southgate picking Henderson and Rice in midfield, two holding players in midfield mean that the only way you can score is from a set piece.

  • Comment posted by Chris Fierce, at 20:06 27 Jan

    Thomas Tuchel - Sacked in the morning?

    • Reply posted by Freedom is not Free, at 22:22 27 Jan

      Freedom is not Free replied:
      Come on

      Be at the end of the season when not in top 4 or 5 or 6

  • Comment posted by carrera4life, at 19:58 27 Jan

    A point away at Chelsea is better than expected.

    • Reply posted by PsychLove, at 20:07 27 Jan

      PsychLove replied:
      Really? What has happened to Wolves this season then.

  • Comment posted by shed upper yaface, at 20:10 27 Jan

    Jorginho Kovacic and sadly as things stand atm Havertz = zero goal threat
    Mount did more in the 8 minutes he was on the pitch than the three I just mentioned did in the entire match

    • Reply posted by bencat, at 20:12 27 Jan

      bencat replied:
      Cant agree more

  • Comment posted by damo, at 20:13 27 Jan

    Lampard would of won this if he was still in charge

    • Reply posted by TROLL IN THE DUNGEON, at 20:14 27 Jan

      TROLL IN THE DUNGEON replied:
      agree would have had them up for it.