Chelsea 0-0 Wolves: Blues frustrated in Tuchel's first game in charge

Chelsea were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against a well-disciplined Wolves side, in an English Premier League match played at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.   It was coach Thomas Tuchel's first match in charge of the Blues, coming just a day after taking over from the sacked Frank Lampard. The German-made 10 changes to the side that featured in Chelsea's FA Cup win over Luton Town last weekend, with Hakim Ziyech the only player to retained from the side. Mason Mount, who has started Chelsea's last 13 Premier League games was among those benched, with Matteo Kovacic and Jorginho preferred in midfield, and Kai Havertz playing in the number 10 role. The Blues controlled the match from start to finish, even though the clash was devoid of clear-cut chances for long periods. Tuchel's men almost made their early possession count in the fifth minute, but Olivier Giroud failed to get on the end of a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross. The visitors found themselves pinned in their own half for long periods, but occasionally caught Chelsea on the break. They then got a free-kick just outside the box in the 25th minute after Rudiger brought down Podence, but Ruben Neves' shot went inches over the bar. Wolves then hit Chelsea on a quick counter-attack and registered their first decent attempt on goal, but Dendoncker was unable to keep his header on target after meeting Podence's cross from the left. The second period was a carbon copy of the first, even though Chelsea attacked more from the whistle as they sought the elusive first goal. Their first open chance arrived just after the hour mark following a near-perfect team move, which ended with Havertz pulling a beautiful cut-back for Chilwell, but the defender saw his ball fly over the bar when it was easier to score than miss. The visitors however had a chance of their own to take the lead in one of their counterattacks, but Neto's chipped ball kissed the crossbar and went out for a goal kick. Both teams carved out half-chances in the remaining minutes, but none could find the winning goal as the match ended 0-0. The result meant the Blues have only managed eight points from their last nine Premier League games, and are placed ninth in the standings on 30 points. Wolves on the other hand kept their first clean sheet in the Premier League since October 2020, ending a run of 12 consecutive games without one.