At last, victory for Chelsea, inspired by theirs when Trevoh Chalobah returned from Selhurst Park to dispel the pessimism that had been seeping into Stamford Bridge.
Chalobah's withdrawal from a season-long loan with Crystal Palace was unexpected but necessary. He blocked, tackled, passed with purpose and set up Noni Madueke's third goal, meaning not even Chelsea could throw away this lead.
Enzo Maresca feared that was happening initially when Robert Sanchez spilled the ball to gift Wolves an equaliser. There's nothing like constructive criticism from football fans and the advice from a voice next to the Chelsea bench saying: “Enzo, find yourself a new goalkeeper, it's shit.”
It is not just a small minority of fans who wonder why Maresca persists with Sánchez, or why their club is not targeting someone new this month. Some even wonder if Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, a target of his, is good in goal.
However, Chelsea achieved this with the help of Chalobah as Stamford Bridge chanted his name during the second half in recognition. We don't know what will happen to the 25-year-old at the end of this season, such is life in a world where local players represent pure profit.
But for now, he can enjoy nights like this one, which made some people wonder why Chelsea ever sent him out on loan.
Chelsea moved up to fourth place in the standings with a 3-1 victory over Wolves at Stamford Bridge.
Trevoh Chalobah shone for the Blues after retiring on loan from Crystal Palace this week.
Noni Madueke scored Chelsea's third goal, after scoring a hat-trick at Molineux in August
Wolves have been frankly the worst in the Premier League at defending set pieces, conceding more than anyone else at England's elite level, and their warm-up was subpar as they practiced clearing corners. Among those who warded off danger was Emmanuel Agbadou, their 6ft 4in centre-back signed from Reims for £16.6m this month and who started here.
Agbadou and company did not have to wait long for the first test as Chelsea won a corner within 25 seconds. Reece James curled up in the swinger as Chalobah, starting for the first time since being recalled from Crystal Palace, headed towards Nicolas Jackson at the far post.
It was reminiscent of how Jackson opened the scoring after two minutes in the first leg at Molineux (a 6-2 win for Chelsea in which Madueke scored a hat-trick), but this time José Sa was there to deny the forward's overhead kick.
There is nothing wrong with Chelsea creating chances and with Wolves at the back post, Sa went down injured. Cynical as it may seem, it can be suspicious for goalkeepers to call for medical assistance so soon after the match, and the visiting outfielders certainly wasted no time in gathering around their coach Vitor Pereira to discuss tactics. After a magic sponge treatment, Sa recovered and was good to go.
Wolves came here looking for their first clean sheet in the capital since the 2-0 win over Tottenham in February 2022. Bruno Lage was their manager at the time, then came Julen Lopetegui, then Gary O'Neil, and it was Pereira's. in turn to try to cover up his escape from London.
However, in the 24th minute, Chelsea found the breakthrough with a little help, first from Wolves and then from VAR. It all started with Matt Doherty trying (unsuccessfully) to send a header into the arms of his goalkeeper. The ball went over Sa, but went out for a corner.
James' shot from the back of the box fell kindly to Tosin Adarabioyo, who scored his first Premier League goal for Chelsea. The assistant's flag was raised, although replays showed Adarabioyo was in play when VAR Matthew Donohue ruled it a good goal.
In the 36th minute, André landed on Moisés Caicedo, leaving him writhing in pain on the field of play. Chelsea were worried, especially because there was no midfielder on the substitute bench. Caicedo managed to continue. When Andre stepped on Palmer's ankle to leave the Englishman limping, he was booked.
Madueke (left) scored just five minutes after Marc Cucurella (right) restored Chelsea's lead.
The victory was seismic for Enzo Maresca, whose team was in dismal form.
Robert Sánchez's blushes were saved after a goalkeeper error led to the Wolves' tie.
In six-minute added time, the Wolves won a corner. The center came and Sánchez had to catch it all day. He spilled it under pressure from Santiago Bueno, while Doherty happily accepted the touch to make it 1-1.
Only Ipswich's Arijanet Muric has made more errors leading to goals in the Premier League than Sánchez this season. Rapper Central Cee was at Stamford Bridge walking around in a goalkeeper shirt. You had to ask yourself if it was worth replacing it.
From that moment on, Chelsea fans began to applaud ironically every time Sánchez caught the ball. How relieved he was when he watched Marc Cucurella control a cross from Madueke and slot the ball into the Wolves goal to make it 2-1 after 60 minutes.
Only 43 per cent of Chelsea's Premier League points this season came at home, the lowest proportion in the division, but they were now leading. Things improved in the 65th minute when, from a free kick, Palmer crossed, Chalobah headed in and Madueke made it 3-1.
Madueke wanted that goal for himself, touching the ball before it bounced over the line. Tough on Chalobah? That's football. However, supporters recognized his contribution and chanted the name of their academy graduate who returned from Selhurst Park to ensure they won again at Stamford Bridge.
After blowing too many leads over the last month (against Fulham, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace), this was an important test of character for Chelsea's stars. Now, with a two-goal lead, Stamford Bridge could breathe and even enjoy it.
In the 78th minute, Jackson advanced. One on one with Sa, he scored, but the offside flag prevented him from scoring. The VAR checked and verified it. Your time will come. Chelsea certainly did it here.