New manager Thomas Tuchel seemed to inject some new tactical nous into his Chelsea players, changing from Frank Lampard's previous 4-3-3 formation to a 4-2-3-1.

With Kai Havertz starting in the middle of the three, acquired for £75Million in the summer, Tuchel's lineup suggested the team this evening was built around the young German.

More noticeably, Tuchel opted for experience over graduates for his 1st Premier League game in charge - dropping Mason Mount and Reece James to the bench.

Exciting youngster Billy Gilmour didn't even make the squad & Ngolo Kante missed a third consecutive match. 

Most of the action came late on as the Blues dominated possession in the final 10 minutes. Wolves' Pedro Neto also came close, hitting the bar late on. A game that neutrals would brand unimpressive. 

  • Tuchel's team lacking creativity 

The first half was fairly stagnant, Olivier Giroud came close to opening the scoring in the first 10 minutes after a cross from Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, that was the only real opportunity the team was able to muster in 45 minutes.

The Chelsea players weren't making runs off the ball and seemed set on playing a possession based game. Wolves were content with this as they happily allowed the Blues to play in front of them. 

Although their attack was talent littered, with midfielders such as Havertz and Hakim Ziyech allowed to push forward, there was very little attacking flair or dangerous nature from the West-London side. 

Mount, their best player of recent was brought on with six minutes to go. He captained the club against Luton in the FA Cup, but was unable to make an impact for the team. 

Tuchel praised his players in his post match comments, stating he was happy with the "high energy and intensity." 

  • Positives to take at second glance

BT Sport commentator Ian Darke described Thomas Tuchel as "almost boyishly" animated throughout the game, guiding his team along with his style of management. This is a stark contrast to the final weeks suffered by Lampard, who spent most of his time on the touchline with folded arms and a furrowed brow. 

Although a 0-0 draw doesn't look good on any top team's record, the Chelsea boss pointed out that his team had plenty of possession in and around the Wolves penalty area, creating the chances to back it up. He told Bein Sports "We were just unlucky." 

At the other end of the pitch, fans will have been very happy with Toni Rudiger and Thiago Silva's defensive display as the pairing shut down counter attacks from Nuno Espirito Santo's side.

Until tonight's match, Chelsea haven't been able to keep a clean sheet at home since beating West Ham United back in December. 

Although the team and the supporters are desperate for results, a draw and a clean sheet under a new manager is a push in the right direction. Tuchel needs time to find his most trusted 11 and get them playing for him, something Lampard was deemed unable to do. 

 

 

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