Noni Madueke delivered a stunning hat-trick as Chelsea demolished Wolves 6-2, marking Enzo Maresca’s first Premier League victory as the new Blues boss. The result followed a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City and a UEFA Conference League win against Servette earlier in the week.
Chelsea’s offensive fireworks began just 98 seconds into the match when Matheus Cunha’s failed clearance led to Nicolas Jackson heading in the opener for Chelsea. The goal sparked a wave of frustration among Wolves fans, who were already irked by Madueke’s pre-match social media post criticizing Wolverhampton.
Despite Cunha’s equalizer in the 27th minute, Chelsea quickly regained the lead with Cole Palmer’s stunning lob in the 45th minute. The match swung back in Chelsea’s favor in the second half, with Madueke’s deflected shot and two more goals, each set up by Palmer, completing his hat-trick and silencing the home crowd. Joao Felix capped the emphatic win with a powerful strike in the 80th minute, celebrating his debut after transferring from Atletico Madrid.
At the Vitality Stadium, Newcastle salvaged a controversial 1-1 draw against Bournemouth. After trailing 1-0 due to Marcus Tavernier’s close-range finish from Antoine Semenyo’s cross, Eddie Howe’s side equalized in the 76th minute with Anthony Gordon’s goal from Harvey Barnes’ cross. Bournemouth’s frustration grew as a stoppage-time winner was disallowed by VAR for handball.
In other news, Arne Slot prepares for his first Premier League home game with Liverpool later on Sunday, following his successful start with a 2-0 win against Ipswich. The 45-year-old former Feyenoord manager was appointed to replace Jurgen Klopp, who left after a triumphant nine-year tenure at Anfield.
