Chelsea vs Wolves result: Five things we learned as Eden Hazard saves Blues with stunning stoppage time strike
Five things we learned: The Belgian's late effort denied Nuno's side a double over the Blues this season after Raul Jimenez broke the deadlock
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Eden Hazard's brilliant long-range strike salvaged a point for Chelsea against Wolves.
The hosts struggled to break down a disciplined Wolves side in the first half, failing to move the ball quick enough to create any real openings.
And Wolves' approach was validated 10 minutes into the second half as Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez combined spectacularly on the break, leading to the Mexican prodding past Kepa Arrizabalaga to break the deadlock.
The Blues sent on Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Willian in search of an equaliser but looked devoid of inspiration until Hazard's stoppage time effort nestled into the corner.
Here are five things we learned:
1. Wolves will enter United cup tie with confidence
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has inspired change at United, who are now sensing an opportunity to claim silverware, but the FA Cup quarter-final at Molineux presents a tough test.
One which Wolves will be brimming with confidence they can win. After claiming the scalp of Liverpool earlier in the tournament, Nuno displayed his tactical versatility to dig in and frustrate opposition.
Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez in this form, along with the likelihood of more adventurous outings from Matt Doherty and Jonny down the wings, puts Wolves in prime position to spring an upset.
2. Nuno and Sarri engage in tactical battle
From the start both sides demonstrated a dedication to Plan A: Chelsea circulating possession from high up out wide, as Wolves' wing-backs dropped in, to deeper areas away from danger through the middle of the pitch.
Nuno will have been delighted with the meticulous approach from his players to their positions, which quickly befuddled the Blues, who struggled to raise the tempo of the match to create openings.
Emerson, Chelsea's wildcard in possession and able to overlap at times, was unable to do so for most of the game as Matt Doherty reacted superbly whenever possession switched to his side. It was not pretty, but Sarri's unwillingness to budge and Wolves' eventual opener meant Nuno won the tactical battle.
3. Jota and Jimenez carry out Nuno's plan superbly
Starved of any openings throughout the first half, Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez, both operating effectively as half-wingers, ensured the Blues struggled to plot their way through the visitors.
Resolutely sticking to their jobs in belief a chance to counter would come, it eventually did 10 minutes into the second half and the pair could not have been braver with their movement and use of the ball.
Jimenez sent Jota clear and the Mexican had the desire to get beyond the scrambling Blues defenders before his Portuguese team-mate demonstrated his quality to slide the ball in behind.
A fortuitous Jimenez finish via a Cesar Azpilicueta deflection could not deny Nuno's plan had been fully validated.
4. Sarri loyalty running thin
Maurizio Sarri's team selection disappointed many Chelsea fans as Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ruben Loftus-Cheek were named on the bench, despite bright cameos as substitutes on Thursday against Dynamo Kiev.
A dreary first half, which demonstrated teething problems as this squad continues to adjust to Sarri-ball, only emphasised the growing need to turn to the youngsters in search of inspiration.
Raul Jimenez's opener sparked Sarri into action with the Mateo Kovacic and Pedro sacrificed in quick succession. Sarri displayed his willingness to adapt his approach in the Carabao Cup final loss to Manchester City, now he must do so again and show variety in his team selection.
5. Emerson justifies place over Alonso
In difficult circumstances, Emerson continued to impress.
Having displaced Marcos Alonso, Emerson continues to demonstrate he is a better fit in Sarri's back four than the Spaniard.
Neat in possession like the Spaniard, but quicker over 10 yards. Better movement in the final third will further showcase his ability.
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