Pochettino’s Chelsea suffer another tough defeat before Christmas and are unable to find their way again

Chelseateam led by Mauricio Pochettino and without Enzo Fernández due to injury, lost this Sunday against Wolverhampton 2-1, away, at the end of matchday 18 of the Premier League. The goals of the local victory were scored by Gabonese Mario Lemina, in the 5th minute of the second half, and by Matt Doherty, in the third minute of injury time.

Chelsea, after wasting several chances, reached injury time in the fifth minute of added time through French striker Christopher Nkunku.

After 28 years, the Premier League played a match before Christmas Eve But given the criticism received for the demanding calendar, they have already warned that next year it will not be held again on this date.

Enzo Fernández was left out of the squad due to the hernia that forced him to leave the pitch 30 minutes into the first half of last Tuesday’s League Cup match against Newclaste, but he was still at the Molineux Stadium to accompany his teammates.

The world champion hopes to return next Wednesday 27th against Crystal Palace, at home, or on Saturday 30th against visiting Luton.

Pochettino’s team suffered their fourth consecutive away defeat and with 22 points they are in tenth place, 18 behind leaders Arsenal.

The wolves, for their part, matched their rival’s line and returned to victory after two matches.

Chelsea had two very clear chances during the match, the first in the 31st minute of the first half with Raheem Sterling who missed an incredible one-on-one when he had two teammates by his side and in the second half, in the 18th minute, the Portuguese Toti saved a shot from Frenchman Christopher Nkunku off the line which could have made it 1-1.

Round 18 ends with this match and next Tuesday the new day will open with five traditional matches. “Boxing Day” among which Manchester United-Aston Villa and the visit of the Liverpool guard to Burnley stand out.