Eden Hazard’s curling strike rescued Chelsea from falling to their first defeat in four games and ensured Wolves failed to complete the double over the Blues.
In windy conditions in West London, Chelsea were laboured in their efforts off the ball, failing to try and break down a packed midfield with runners in behind.
David Luiz and Jorginho were the only two in a blue shirt who could be seen trying to play in between the lines, and their quick direct passing was not utilised fully by Chelsea’s forward line.
A well-organised Wolves side restricted Higuain to just a couple of half chances, and Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were left feeling aggrieved for seeing the flag raised when Diogo Jota was played through on goal.
The second-half brought with it more of the same air of predictability and as Chelsea began to sit back into their usual pattern of play, Wolves sensed an opening.
The away side capitalised on complacent work in possession to slip Raul Jimenez through on goal to lift the ball over Kepa Arrizabalaga with his sides first shot on goal.
It took the smash and grab antics of Wolves to spark Chelsea into life, and Pedro and Higuain were quickly involved as they pressed for an equaliser.
As the game dragged on it was clear that frustration on top of complacency was seeping into Chelsea’s game, but just as it looked like Maurizio Sarri was consigned to another inexcusable defeat, Eden Hazard popped up with a stoppage-time equaliser to keep the side in contention for a top-four finish.
