Chelsea survived a heart-stopping second-half rally from Wolverhampton Wanderers to win 4-3 at Molineux Stadium on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, advancing to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals in the most chaotic of fashions. With Enzo Maresca rotating his squad after a demoralizing 2-1 loss to Sunderland, Chelsea fielded a team full of youth and fringe players — and still managed to outlast a desperate Wolves side that refused to quit. The final whistle brought relief, not celebration, as Liam Delap’s red card and David Moller Wolfe’s last-gasp goal left the scoreline uncomfortably close for a side that led 3-0 at halftime.
First-Half Dominance: Youth Rising
Chelsea’s first half was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Tyrique George, the 19-year-old English forward, opened the scoring in the 15th minute with a sharp finish after a quick counter. Just nine minutes later, Estêvão Willian Almeida de Oliveira, the 17-year-old Brazilian winger, doubled the lead with a curling shot from the edge of the box — his first professional goal. Then, in the 41st minute, Andrey Santos, the 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder who had just come on for Estêvão, made it 3-0 with a composed low drive. The visitors were clinical. Wolves, by contrast, looked shell-shocked. Fans at Molineux, normally among the most vocal in the Premier League, sat in stunned silence.Second-Half Collapse: Wolves’ Fightback
The break changed everything. Vitor Pereira, Wolves’ Portuguese manager, made a simple but brutal demand: “Stop thinking. Start attacking.” The response was electric. In the 55th minute, Toluwalase Arokodare, the 23-year-old Nigerian forward, pulled one back with a powerful header from a corner. Then, in the 68th minute, David Moller Wolfe, the 26-year-old Norwegian right-back, equalized with a thunderous strike from outside the box — his first goal of the season. The stadium erupted. The comeback was on.By the 85th minute, Wolves had out-possessed Chelsea. The home crowd, once silent, was now deafening. And then, in the 90th minute, Jamie Gittens, Chelsea’s 20-year-old winger, restored order with a cool finish off a counter. It looked like that was that. But in the 92nd minute, Wolfe struck again — a looping header from a free-kick that sailed past Filip Jörgensen. 4-3. Chaos. The home fans thought they’d seen it all. Then came the red card.
Delap’s Redemption and Ruin
Liam Delap had returned from a two-month hamstring injury just 12 minutes before kickoff. He was supposed to be a spark — a physical presence in attack. Instead, he became the match’s most controversial figure. Within seven minutes of coming on, he was booked for a reckless challenge. Seven minutes after that, he fouled a Wolves midfielder in the box, earning his second yellow. The referee had no choice. Delap, tears in his eyes, trudged off in the 94th minute, his return ending in disgrace. “It soured the win,” said ESPN’s sideline reporter. “He gave everything. But he lost control when it mattered most.”
Wolves’ Descent and Chelsea’s Path
For Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club, this defeat was more than a cup exit. It was confirmation of a season spiraling out of control. After 10 Premier League matches, they remain at the bottom — zero points, 23 goals conceded, and growing unrest among supporters. Their 2-1 loss to Burnley on October 26 triggered angry protests, with fans chanting for Pereira’s resignation. The manager confronted them after the match, a moment captured on social media and replayed endlessly. Now, with the Carabao Cup gone, their only focus is survival. Their next game — a home match against Fulham Football Club at Craven Cottage on November 1 — might as well be a relegation six-pointer.For Chelsea Football Club, the win was a statement. Maresca didn’t just rest his stars — he tested his depth. Andrey Santos, Estêvão, George, Gittens — all under 22 — delivered. They didn’t just win; they proved this squad has more than just Romelu Lukaku and Cole Palmer. The Carabao Cup is no trophy for the elite, but for Chelsea, it’s a chance to build momentum. A quarterfinal against Manchester City or Liverpool could be a statement of intent.
What’s Next?
Chelsea’s next Premier League fixture is against Brentford on November 2, while Wolves face Fulham at Craven Cottage on November 1. The contrast couldn’t be starker: one side rising, the other sinking. Maresca will likely rotate again — but this time, he’ll have confidence in his bench. For Pereira, the pressure is now unbearable. A loss to Fulham could trigger a managerial crisis.And what of David Moller Wolfe? The Norwegian, once a fringe player, now has three goals in his last four games. He’s the only Wolves player with more than one goal this season. If he keeps scoring, maybe this isn’t the end. Maybe it’s the beginning of something else.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Chelsea win with such a weakened team?
Chelsea’s youth-heavy lineup outperformed expectations because of tactical discipline and individual brilliance. Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Jamie Gittens — all under 22 — scored or assisted in the first half. Maresca’s system prioritized quick transitions, and Wolves’ sluggish start allowed Chelsea to exploit space. Even without Lukaku or Palmer, the team’s structure held firm until late chaos.
Why did Wolves collapse in the first half?
Wolves looked mentally broken after their 2-1 loss to Burnley and a winless Premier League run. Their midfield, led by João Gomes and Fábio Silva, failed to press high, allowing Chelsea to pass through them. Defensive gaps were exposed, and goalkeeper José Pedro Malheiro de Sá was left exposed multiple times. The team had zero confidence, and it showed in their passing and positioning.
What does this mean for Enzo Maresca’s future at Chelsea?
This win bolsters Maresca’s credibility after criticism over his rotation policy. Proving his squad depth works — even without star names — shows he’s building a sustainable system. If Chelsea can win the Carabao Cup, it could be his first trophy and a turning point in his tenure. The board will see this as validation of his long-term vision.
Is Vitor Pereira under serious threat at Wolves?
Yes. With zero points after 10 league games and a humiliating cup exit, Pereira’s job is in jeopardy. Fans have already called for his removal, and the club’s owners are reportedly reviewing his position. A loss to Fulham on November 1 could be the final straw. His failure to fix defensive issues and motivate players has been glaring.
How significant is David Moller Wolfe’s performance?
Wolfe’s two goals were historic for Wolves this season — he now has more goals than any other player on the team. A right-back with pace and a lethal shot, he’s emerged as their only consistent threat. If he keeps scoring, he could become their talisman. But his late goal couldn’t save them — highlighting how much deeper their problems run.
What’s the next big test for Chelsea in the Carabao Cup?
Chelsea will face either Manchester City or Liverpool in the quarterfinals, likely in early December. A win would set up a semi-final clash at Stamford Bridge. Given their squad depth and momentum, they’re now serious contenders. Winning this cup could be the springboard they need before the January transfer window.
