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Chelsea player ratings vs Wolves: Five stars earn 8/10s as Liam Delap struggles

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Chelsea turned on the style to inflict more misery upon Wolves - whilst also creating more homework for Rob Edwards.

The only positive for the Premier League's basement boys, the only side still yet to win a game in England's top four divisions this season, is that things can surely only get better here.

Middlesbrough boss Edwards' controversial return to Molineux is now on the home stretch and if he was watching the game that unfolded at Stamford Bridge, it was abundantly clear he has plenty to get his teeth stuck into.

Chelsea were heavily scrutinised after drawing 2-2 at Qarabag in midweek but they blew away the cobwebs with a second-half clinic as goals from Malo Gusto, Joao Pedro and Pedro Neto fired the Blues up to second place.

Given Wolves have not won in the Premier League since beating Leicester City 3-0 on April 26, interim boss James Collins was already facing a thankless task at Stamford Bridge following last week's sacking of Vitor Pereira and it wasn't long before Chelsea were asking serious questions of Sam Johnstone.

First the Wolves goalkeeper was equal to Alejandro Garnacho's bobbling shot before Marc Cucurella's fizzing strike flashed narrowly wide after deflecting off the head of Enzo Fernandez.

The Argentine World Cup winner put on a midfield exhibition inside the opening 20 minutes - executing several pinpoint through balls in behind - before almost scoring directly from a corner.

Johnstone got caught under the ball but Wolves wing-back Jackson Tchatchoua was able to spare his blushes, clearing off the line.

The Blues continued to press aggressively for the opener and squandered a glorious chance to break the deadlock just before the interval when Joao Pedro dragged a scruffy effort past the post.

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Drab Chelsea were booed off at the break by their disgruntled supporters but Enzo Maresca's side issued the perfect response just six minutes into the second half when Gusto nodded home the opener. Garnacho probed from the left and hung up an excellent back-post cross which allowed Gusto to head in his first ever senior goal.

The hosts almost doubled their advantage when Fernandez's cut-back - destined for Liam Delap inside the six-yard box - was intercepted by Ladislav Krejci. It would prove to be Delap's final act of the evening as he was swiftly replaced by 18-year-old Brazilian whizz Estevao, who made an instant impact.

The red-hot teenager drove at his man, fired in a low cross which Krejci failed to deal with and Pedro gratefully smashed home his second goal in as many matches. The £60million summer recruit has needed no time to settle in west London and has quickly emerged as one of Maresca's most-integral players.

Wolves, who had sat behind the ball for most of the game, now had to attack to try and source a lifeline and that only played into Chelsea's hands. Garnacho was set racing free down the Blues' left on the break and he laid the ball across the face of goal expertly for Neto to turn in against his former employers.

Here's how the Blues players rated against Wolves.

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Robert Sanchez

Continued his aerial dominance. Got a good hand to Jackson Tchatchoua's inviting first-half delivery. 7

Malo Gusto

Headed in the opener. Also put some dangerous crosses into the box and battled through the pain barrier after rolling his ankle. Got caught on the ball several times, though. 7

Trevoh Chalobah

Had a strange header in the first half. Could maybe have scored but directed it away from goal. Defensively sound. 7

Wesley Fofana

Bailed out a slip from Malo Gusto in the second half. Back in the starting XI and starting to get back to his best. 7

Marc Cucurella

Sturdy game, didn't have an easy task as Jackson Tchatchoua was a real nuisance up the Wolves right in the first half. 7

Moises Caicedo

Another strong combative performance. Nullified Wolves' threat on the break. Did get booked for one cynical tug but another top midfield display. 8

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Enzo Fernandez

Excellent in the first half. Made several brilliant passes and almost scored directly from a corner. Kept Chelsea ticking, the goals are coming. 8

Pedro Neto

Sharp. Drove with the ball confidently and look dangerous throughout. Scored a well-deserved third and it was no less than his performance deserved. 8

Joao Pedro

Sloppy in the first half. Dragged a fairly routine chance wide but made amends in the second half, scoring Chelsea's second. Always at the heart of every Blues attack, though. 7

Alejandro Garnacho

Recorded two assists. Strong case he was Chelsea's best player. Two great crosses, one high, one low for Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto, who both got themselves on the scoresheet. 8

Liam Delap

Poor on his first start since injuring his hamstring against Fulham in August. Subbed for Estevao on 64 minutes. Looked rusty and seems an awkward fit at times. 6

Subs

Estevao

Razor sharp. Got an assist just 68 seconds after coming on. Such an incredible talent. 8

Reece James

Rested but crowd chanted his name as he entered the field for final 12 minutes. Helped Chelsea secure another clean sheet. 7

Marc Guiu

Missed a good chance after replacing Joao Pedro. 6

Andrey Santos

N/A

Jamie Gittens

N/A

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