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Chelsea's Thiago Silva in Wolverhampton

Photo: Jacob King / IMAGO / PA Images

Chelsea FC have disappointed again in the Premier League. The former Champions League winner lost 28-1 (2-0) at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the league's first Christmas Eve game in 0 years. Christopher Nkunku, who was under contract with RB Leipzig until the summer, could only reduce the deficit with a header on his league debut for Chelsea (90+6th minute). Earlier, Mario Lemina (51') and Matt Doherty (90'+3') scored for Wolves in the duel between two teams from mid-table.

Chelsea's defence did not cut a good figure in both goals. For the first goal conceded, Lemina was allowed to head in from the fray without jumping up. For the second goal, Chelsea's Benoît Badiashile cleared a cross right in front of Doherty's feet.

Despite his experience of more than 80 caps, Chelsea's Raheem Sterling missed a huge chance to give the visitors the lead after half an hour. After taking the ball from João Gomes, the attacker ran alone towards goal and shot at goalkeeper José Sa instead of laying it off to one of his two teammates.

Nkunku provides new momentum

For the Londoners, Nkunku came on after an hour and narrowly missed the 1-1 equalizer a little later. His late follow-up goal was not enough. The Frenchman injured his knee in a friendly against Borussia Dortmund in the summer, had to undergo surgery and was absent for a long time afterwards. At Wolverhampton, ex-RB and Hertha Bundesliga player Matheus Cunha was part of the starting line-up.

Due to the bankruptcy, Chelsea is only in tenth place after 18 matchdays. The gap to league leaders Arsenal is 18 points. As in the previous year, the star-studded squad is in danger of missing out on international business.

The last and only match on December 24 since the Premier League was founded in 1992 was played in 1995. Back then, Leeds United won 3-1 against Manchester United.

Over the holidays, football continues on the island: on the traditional "Boxing Day", 26 December, five matches are on the programme. There are also games on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

kjo/dpa