TREVOH Chalobah earned praise for his performance after he got an assist on his first Chelsea start since his recall from his loan at Crystal Palace in the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
Chalobah started alongside Tosin Adarabioyo in the middle of Enzo Maresca’s back four, his first Blues appearance since a 2-1 win at home to AFC Bournemouth last May.
Adarabioyo put the hosts in front with his third goal in four games – his first for Chelsea in the Premier League.
Matt Doherty levelled in first-half added-time after a mistake from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Marc Cucurella restored the lead on the hour before Chalobah set up Noni Madueke to make it 3-1 five minutes later as Chelsea climbed back into the top four.
With Chalobah making a Blues appearance, the rules mean he can only play for Palace again this season if he is to go back out on loan.
Maresca, though, is set to keep the defender at home.
“They did fantastic, Tosin and Trev, all of them were good, including Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] too,” Maresca said. “All of them had a long time without playing a game for us and overall the performance was good.”
“Three goals in four games, four for the season and my first Premier League goal tonight, so very happy,” Adarabioyo said.
“It is definitely good to contribute to the goals and for them to come from all over the pitch.
“A goal is a goal at the end of the day. Even if you get the scummy ones it is always a good feeling.
“It was gutting to concede that goal at the end of the first half but we came out all guns blazing, did an amazing job and got a great result.
“[Chalobah] came straight back in and did an amazing job. He did everything flawlessly from a tactical point of view, so I am very happy for him.”
Chalobah’s header appeared to be going in before Madueke touched it over the line.
“It’s instinct,” Madueke said. “Attacker’s instinct. I knew it was going over the line. I said sorry to Trevoh after. I had to put this in the net, for sure. He was saying, ‘no way you took my goal’, but I said, ‘you have to understand, this is what they pay me for’.”
Madueke was gushing about Chalobah. He said: “Unbelievable. Leadership, character, bravery on the ball. He slotted in seamlessly so I am delighted for him. It is no coincidence with players like him and Reece [James] back in we won the game. They are Chelsea through and through and they helped us tonight with their leadership, for sure.”