Chelsea 3-0 Wolves LIVE! Broja goal - Premier League result, match stream, latest reaction and updates today

Chelsea vs Wolves - LIVE!

Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja sent Chelsea into the top in the Premier League, potentially only briefly, as the Blues cruised past managerless Wolves 3-0 at Stamford Bridge. Mason Mount teed up Havertz and Pulisic before Albania striker Broja netted his maiden Blues goal to floor the struggling visitors.

Boyhood Chelsea fan Broja was left delighted with his first senior strike that capped a landmark week for Graham Potter’s Stamford Bridge tenure.

New Blues boss Potter made seven changes from Wednesday’s 3-0 Champions League mauling of AC Milan and still Chelsea cantered to victory. Havertz nodded home Mount’s cross on the stroke of half-time to cement the hosts’ dominance.

A much-improved Pulisic’s delicate dink then doubled the home side’s lead, with Mount again on hand with the assist. And right at the death Kovacic threaded through to Broja, who cut back from the defensive cover before drilling into the net.

Chelsea vs Wolves highlights

• GOAL! Broja seals win in style

• GOAL! Pulisic with brilliant finish to double lead

• GOAL! Havertz heads home opening goal

Chelsea FC 3 - 0 Wolverhampton Wanderers FC

Match analysis

18:04 , Matt Verri

Conor Gallagher has responded to Graham Potter’s methods at Chelsea, producing a man of the match display in the 3-0 win over Wolves.

The 22-year-old earned his first start for Potter after his match-winning 90th-minute goal against former club Crystal Palace last weekend.

This week his influence was more subtle, but those inside the stadium at Stamford Bridge gave a standing ovation to the Cobham academy graduate, after a complete midfield performance where he began the match almost opening the scoring after two minutes with a good effort.

Soon he turned creator, setting up Kai Havertz as a combination of Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Cesar Azpilicueta caused damage down Wolves’ right-hand side.

Read Nizaar Kinsella’s full piece here

One very happy striker!

17:27 , Matt Verri

Player ratings

17:15 , Matt Verri

Conor Gallagher - 8

Almost scored with the first effort of the game after two minutes, his direct running in the eighth minute created the second opening for Kai Havertz.

His dogged running kept the ball alive to win the corner that led to the goal, almost had an assist but for a good intervention by Sa in the 51st minute. Outstanding in all areas of his game, the 22-year-old was a front runner to earn man of the match.

Read Nizaar Kinsella’s full look at the Chelsea players here

On the up

17:06 , Matt Verri

Chelsea go into the top four with that win over Wolves, seven points off leaders Man City though they have a game in hand.

Brighton will knock the Blues down to fifth if they beat Tottenham in the late kick-off this evening.

Potter will be thrilled!

16:56 , Matt Verri

FT: Chelsea 3-0 Wolves

16:53 , Matt Verri

Three wins in a week for Graham Potter’s side, it’s been a great afternoon for them.

Havertz, Pulisic and Broja with the goals, three players who would have been desperate for a goal too.

GOAL! Chelsea 3-0 Wolves | Armando Broja 90'

16:49 , Matt Verri

Sealed in style!

Broja opens his Chelsea account, brilliant finish to get up and running for the club. Chelsea fans absolutely love that.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

16:46 , Matt Verri

Carney Chukwuemeka is making his debut for Chelsea after his £20million move. He made a great impact behind closed doors in the 2-1 win against Brighton scoring two goals.

He comes on for Gallagher who was arguably the man of the match.

16:45 , Matt Verri

86 mins: Looks like Sterling and Aubameyang will be getting the afternoon off completely. Perfect outcome for Potter.

He’s able to bring Chukwuemeka on for his Chelsea debut for the final few minutes, with Ziyech also on. Havertz and Gallagher off.

16:42 , Matt Verri

83 mins: Chelsea fly forward on the right, until James is brought down by Matheus. Easy decision for the referee.

Three Wolves players immediately went to close James down, and he showed really nice footwork to draw the foul.

16:39 , Matt Verri

80 mins: Both sides playing like they know this match is done, not a huge amount of intensity.

Chelsea so comfortable knocking the ball around, just seeing the rest of this match out now as they did late on against AC Milan. Potter’s unbeaten run as Blues boss looks set to march on.

Gallagher tries his luck from distance, can’t keep it down.

16:35 , Matt Verri

76 mins: The energy of James at wing-back is really not what Wolves need right now.

He’s been in flying form this season, particularly in recent weeks under Potter. He’s already so direct when he picks up the ball.

16:32 , Matt Verri

73 mins: Changes all round now. Broja and James on for Mount and Pulisic, while Campbell replaces Traore for Wolves.

Cucurella will be absolutely thrilled to see Traore trudge off.

16:29 , Matt Verri

70 mins: Traore continues to be a threat, he’s got the beating of Cucurella every time.

Leads to a chance for Hwang, fires an effort into the ground and it’s a comfortable save in goal for Kepa.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

16:28 , Matt Verri

He isn’t on the scoresheet but Conor Gallagher has excelled in all areas of his game at Stamford Bridge today.

He has been brilliant in breaking up the play, creating chances and has been a goal threat himself. He earned this shot after his match winning last minute goal versus former club Crystal Palace last week.

16:25 , Matt Verri

66 mins: Potter turns to his bench, midway through the second-half.

Loftus-Cheek off and it’s Kovacic to come on in his place. Not a bad option to have. James, Sterling and Aubameyang among those also on the bench.

16:22 , Matt Verri

63 mins: Jorginho into the book, he doesn’t bother to complain too much about that.

Sting has gone out of the Wolves attack since that second Chelsea goal - can at the perfect time for the Blues.

Very restrained...

16:21 , Matt Verri

16:18 , Matt Verri

59 mins: Havertz away, things looking very comfortable now for Chelsea.

Goes for a chip, not enough on it though and Sa can stick out a hand. Probably would have been offside anyway had he scored.

16:16 , Matt Verri

57 mins: That’s the end of Costa’s afternoon, he’s replaced by Hwang.

Costa very much milking this too, going off the pitch on the far side to ensure he has a full lap of appreciation as play continues.

Huge reception from Chelsea fans.

GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Wolves | Christian Pulisic 54'

16:13 , Matt Verri

That makes things far more comfortable!

It’s a wonderful goal too, Pulisic with a sensational finish to double the lead for Chelsea. Big blow to Wolves after their strong start to the half.

16:10 , Matt Verri

52 mins: Much more like it from Chelsea, it’s a great move with plenty of bodies getting forward.

Mount and Gallagher leading the charge, ball crossed in and Havertz shoulders it over the bar - looked a bit worried about Sa who was flying off his line towards him.

16:08 , Matt Verri

50 mins: Wolves completely on top and they win a corner, met with a roar from the away end.

Taken short, played back to Moutinho and he puts it in. Kepa off his line, does enough and Chelsea can calm things down.

16:07 , Matt Verri

48 mins: Traore runs at Cucurella, beats him and puts a decent cross into the box.

Just too much on it, Costa briefly looked interested there. Confident start to the half from Wolves, noticeable improvement.

Back underway!

16:04 , Matt Verri

Up and running again at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea on track to make it three wins in a week.

Guedes off at the break for Wolves, Hodge on in his place.

Fair to say it’s been coming!

15:59 , Matt Verri

Potter would have been so annoyed had his side gone into the break on level terms with Wolves.

Despite all the changes he’s made, Chelsea have been by a margin the better side. With a strong bench to turn to, it would be a real surprise if the Blues let this slip from here.

Gallagher making the most of his chance...

15:56 , Matt Verri

HT: Chelsea 1-0 Wolves

15:50 , Matt Verri

And almost immediately it’s half-time.

Chelsea utterly dominant and they get their reward just before the break, Havertz with the goal.

Blues had been really wasteful up to that point but they have the lead they deserve.

GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Wolves | Kai Havertz 45+2'

15:48 , Matt Verri

CHELSEA TAKE THE LEAD!

Mount does brilliantly to win the ball back for the Blues, and he then puts a superb cross into the box.

Looping header from Havertz and he puts Chelsea in front seconds before half-time.

15:46 , Matt Verri

45 mins: Traore tries to find Podence, too many Chelsea players in the way though and the hosts can break. That is until Pulisic slows it down and turns back - not doing anything to help a really flat atmosphere.

Into added-time we go.

15:43 , Matt Verri

43 mins: Worry for Chelsea here, Jorginho down receiving treatment.

Doesn’t appear to be too serious though, up and fine to continue at least for now. One for the medical staff to look at properly at half-time.

15:42 , Matt Verri

41 mins: As close as Wolves have come to scoring, lovely move!

Matheus starts the move and very nearly finishes it, he’s been the visitors’ best player by a mile. Cross comes in, he can’t keep his header down though. Real chance.

15:39 , Matt Verri

39 mins: Corner for Chelsea, as Mount lets it roll behind.

Decent delivery in, Loftus-Cheek jumps for it but can’t make contact. Falls perfectly for Azpilicueta instead, six-yards out... he wasn’t expecting it to reach him though and the chance goes.

Add that to the tally of missed opportunities.

15:37 , Matt Verri

37 mins: Ten shots for Chelsea so far, three on target. No goals.

Make that 11, Azpilicueta tries his luck from inside the box but it’s immediately blocked. Potter will be so frustrated his side aren’t in front.

15:35 , Matt Verri

35 mins: Costa has barely had a kick on his Stamford Bridge return.

One-way traffic in the last 15 minutes, Chelsea creating plenty of chances but unable to take them so far.

Sterling and Aubameyang will be very keen to come on!

15:32 , Matt Verri

32 mins: Pulisic getting himself more and more involved, he almost puts the Blues in front.

Drifts inside from the left, curls a wonderful strike at goal which looks destined for the top corner but Sa makes a great save.

How long can Wolves survive this pressure?

15:29 , Matt Verri

29 mins: Azpilicueta has been Chelsea’s biggest threat so far, playing superbly out on the right.

Once again it’s a lovely ball into the box, Pulisic heads over the bar. Poor Azpilicueta could have had three assists already.

15:28 , Matt Verri

28 mins: Havertz and Pulisic make a bit of a mess of a decent chance, as Sa comes off his line and leaves himself out of position.

Neither of the two Chelsea players looking particularly confident though when their chance comes in forward areas.

15:26 , Matt Verri

25 mins: Azpilicueta has made a really bright start to the match, getting forward well on the right.

Puts the ball into the box, again Mount is there and he can’t do enough with the shot as he’s closed down.

15:23 , Matt Verri

23 mins: No Neves for Wolves today, so it will be Moutinho to take it. Brilliant position for him.

Gets it on target, Kepa makes the save. Not a huge amount of pace on it, the Spaniard in goal for Chelsea in control of that.

15:22 , Matt Verri

22 mins: And now Pulisic has a decent chance, so much space for him in wide areas.

He’s more central this time and gets the shot away, can’t keep it down. Wolves really struggling now, but here they come on the counter.

Nunes goes down on the edge of the area, Azpilicueta a bit late. Free-kick and yellow card.

15:20 , Matt Verri

20 mins: Nice play between Pulisic and Mount, who have both started pretty well.

Space opens up for Mount, decides to try his luck but he drags the effort well wide of the post. Worth an effort though.

15:18 , Matt Verri

18 mins: Azpilicueta flashes a brilliant cross into the box, between the goalkeeper and defenders.

Flies right across the face of the goal, nobody in a blue shirt has made the run to the back post, where they would have had a tap-in.

15:17 , Matt Verri

17 mins: Corner for Chelsea, Gallagher strolls over to take it.

Moutinho of all people is there to head it clear, which tells you all you need to know about the quality of the delivery.

It comes back to Gallagher to put it back into the box, Toti there this time. Jorginho tries his luck, good save from Sa.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

15:16 , Matt Verri

Chelsea are playing a hybrid system like in the opening Graham Potter match against RB Salzburg.

The Blues often operate with three at the back with the ball to help the build up play against Wolves with Christian Pulisic at wing back with Cesar Azpilicueta on the other side.

They switch to a back four for reasons related to their press when they lose it, Jorginho seems to be a vocal leader ensuring people are positioned correctly.

15:14 , Matt Verri

14 mins: Match has calmed down a bit after a frantic few minutes early on, pace slowing with Chelsea passing the ball around comfortably.

Pulisic gets to the byline, puts a cross in but overhits it. Big afternoon for him, getting a rare chance to start for the Blues. Has to make the most of it.

15:11 , Matt Verri

11 mins: Chelsea dominating possession, and have had another snap shot through Havertz but it’s pretty wayward.

Hosts have to be careful when they lose it though - Traore already looks like he really fancies running at Cucurella.

15:08 , Matt Verri

8 mins: Traore leads the Wolves counter, sliding it through to Costa.

He pulls the ball back into the box, Nunes makes the run but can’t quite get on the end of it. Wolves giving this a go early on, a lot of space on offer for both sides.

Didn’t expect that to be the case...

15:06 , Matt Verri

6 mins: Well worked set-piece from Wolves and it almost catches the Blues out.

Guedes whips it in to the near post, Podence gets across his man and flicks it on. Not too far away from getting that on target.

15:05 , Matt Verri

5 mins: Mixed bag from Potter, in terms of the Chelsea shape.

Looks to be a back three when in possession, with Azpilicueta and Pulisic as the wing-backs. Seemingly a 4-2-3-1 out of possession.

15:03 , Matt Verri

3 mins: Chelsea bring it forward on the right, as Mount drives towards the box.

Comes to Gallagher inside, he has space but can’t keep the shot on target. Bright start from the Blues, on top in the opening minutes.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

15:01 , Matt Verri

Two-time Premier League winner Diego Costa has returned to Stamford Bridge.

He drank in the scene as he lined up ahead of kick-off with his teammates in his first start for Wolves that aptly comes against his former club Chelsea.

KICK-OFF!

15:01 , Matt Verri

Up and running at Stamford Bridge!

Goalscoring return?

14:58 , Matt Verri

14:57 , Matt Verri

A fair few empty seats as you’d expect, with the strikes going on today impacting fans trying to get to the ground.

Players are out onto the pitch - kick-off coming up in just a couple of minutes.

Here we go...

14:55 , Matt Verri

Teams will very shortly be out at Stamford Bridge.

So many changes from Potter, who clearly has more than just an eye on the trip to the San Siro on Tuesday.

It’s certainly a risky move from the Chelsea move - time to see if it pays off!

Kick-off in ten minutes!

14:49 , Matt Verri

How it stands

14:44 , Matt Verri

Wolves 18th in the table going into the weekend, three goals and six points from their opening eight matches.

That’s one more game than Chelsea have played, with the Blues fifth after picking up 13 points. Victory here would lift them into the top four, at least until Brighton play Tottenham later this evening.

Should Chelsea beat Wolves and Arsenal lost to Liverpool tomorrow, Potter’s side would only be five points behind the Gunners with a game in hand.

All eyes on one man...

14:39 , Matt Verri

Kepa gets the nod again

14:32 , Matt Verri

Mendy is again in the squad after his return from injury, but has to settle for a place on the bench.

Potter has suggested that he’s not going to label either as his official No1, with the Chelsea boss keen for it to be decided by performances on the pitch.

It’s clear Kepa has the shirt at the moment though, after keeping a clean sheet against on Wednesday night against Milan.

Nizaar Kinsella at Stamford Bridge

14:25 , Matt Verri

Blues close in on Vivell

14:18 , Matt Verri

Chelsea are set to appoint Christopher Vivell has their new technical director, soon after his sacking by RB Leipzig.

As reported by Standard Sport last month, the Blues had made Vivell their key target to replace Petr Cech, who left over the summer.

Talks continued this week when Vivell is understood to have agreed to take the role. In a surprise move, RB Leipzig on Friday announced that Vivell had been dismissed due to “contrasting views”.

Vivell’s imminent appointment is significant for the Todd Boehly-Clearlake Capital ownership, who also plan on appointing a new sporting director.

Read the full story

Potter shuffles the pack

14:11 , Matt Verri

Well that’s a heavily-rotated Chelsea side! Seven changes from the side that beat Crystal Palace last week.

Silva is not in the squad at all, presumably rested ahead of the trip to face AC Milan in midweek, while Sterling, James and Aubameyang are among those on the bench. It means chances for Gallagher, Loftus-Cheek, Havertz and Pulisic.

As for Wolves, Costa leads the line for them as expected. No Neto, who is out with injury, so Traore, Podence and Guedes are the three behind the striker.

Wolves team news:

14:04 , Matt Verri

Wolves XI: Sa, Semedo, Kilman, Gomes, Jonny, Nunes, Moutinho, Traore, Podence, Guedes, Costa.

Subs: Ait Nouri, Hwang, Sarkic, Mosquera, Ronan, Hodge, Bueno, Campbell.

Chelsea team news

14:01 , Matt Verri

Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Gallagher, Jorginho, Loftus-Cheek, Mount, Havertz, Pulisic

Subs: Mendy, Chilwell, James, Chukwuemeka, Kovacic, Sterling, Ziyech, Aubameyang, Broja

Team news coming up

13:53 , Matt Verri

All the team news from Stamford Bridge will be out in just over five minutes.

Plenty of options for Potter - will he look to freshen up the squad ahead of a trip to the San Siro in midweek?

Blues have arrived!

13:46 , Matt Verri

Zakaria desperate to prove worth at Chelsea

13:39 , Matt Verri

‘The Octopus’ is laying in wait at Chelsea, desperate to pounce when his opportunity comes.

Denis Zakaria, the club’s deadline-day loan signing from Juventus, with long legs and a playing style modelled on the powerhouse that was Patrick Vieira, has yet to get on the pitch for the Blues.

When he does, he tells Standard Sport, he will not let the chance pass by him. But, first, he explains his nickname.

“It’s because I have very long legs!” he says. “I win a lot of balls in midfield, so that is why they said octopus. It was funny and it was positive, I hope!”

Read our full interview with Zakaria here!

Wolves not known for excitement...

13:31 , Matt Verri

So Wolves arrive at Stamford Bridge for their first match since the sacking of Bruno Lage.

They’ve scored just three goals in the Premier League so far, with only one of those coming on the road. That was on the opening day of the season.

Pretty tight at the back though, conceding nine goals. That’s the same as Manchester City and Liverpool, and only one more than table-toppers Arsenal.

It’s probably not going to be end-to-end this afternoon!

Potter expecting good reception for Costa

13:23 , Matt Verri

Graham Potter believes Chelsea must be prepared for the threat posed by Diego Costa during this afternoon’s clash and hopes the ex-Blues striker receives a positive reception at Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian-born former Spanish international returns to his former home in the Premier League, almost five years after ending his successful stint in west London to return to Atletico Madrid in a £57million transfer.

Costa scored 59 goals in 120 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea after arriving from Los Rojiblancos for £32m in the summer of 2014, winning two Premier League titles and becoming something of a Blues cult hero with his uncompromising style of play and fiery antics.

“We have a lot of respect for him and his career,” Potter told reporters at Cobham on Friday. “He’s at Wolves and he’s going to come and be ready to play. I followed his career from afar and I’ve got a lot of respect for him.”

Read the full story

Perfect afternoon for it!

13:15 , Matt Verri

Prediction

13:07 , Matt Verri

Chelsea are starting to purr under Graham Potter if the win over Milan was proof of anything and will have more than enough to beat Wolves, who continue to struggle with injuries.

Chelsea to win 3-0.

Wolves team news

12:57 , Alex Young

Wolves were dealt a major blow this week with the news winger Pedro Neto needs surgery on an ankle injury and will be sidelined until after the World Cup.

Midfielder Ruben Neves joins defender Nathan Collins in sitting out the match due to suspension having picked up five yellow cards while strikers Sasa Kalajdzic (knee) and Raul Jimenez (groin) remain sidelined and midfielder Boubacar Traore is unwell.

But forward Hwang Hee-chan could return from a minor injury sustained on international duty while striker Diego Costa is pushing for a first start against his former club.

Chelsea team news

12:50 , Alex Young

N'Golo Kante and Wesley Fofana will sit out today’s game.

Kante has returned to training but Graham Potter is wary of rushing the midfielder back after a number of fitness issues. Fofana will be out of action for several weeks due to strained knee ligaments.

Trevoh Chalobah should deputise at the back, while Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be pushing for a start.

Marc Cucurella is fit again and can move Ben Chilwell back to the bench.

Where to watch

12:41 , Alex Young

As this afternoon’s game is at 3pm, there will be no live UK TV coverage of the game.

You can catch highlights on ‘Match of the Day’ at 10.25pm tonight, on BBC One.

Welcome

12:29 , Alex Young

Good afternoon and welcome to the Evening Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Wolves.

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 3pm BST. We have, as ever, Nizaar Kinsella there for us today.

Stick with us for all the build-up, action and reaction.