Player ratings as Thomas Tuchel’s first game ends scoreless

Thomas Tuchel’s first game as Chelsea manager was to be forgotten as his new side were held to a 0-0 draw by Wolves at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea dominated possession but failed to create a clear opportunity, with Ben Chilwell having the Blues’ two best chances but sending a wide volley in the first half and blazing in the second.

Despite spending much of the game in their own half, Wolves had the best opening, although Pedro Neto could only focus his efforts on the bar.

Let’s try to get over all this excitement and get into some player reviews.

Édouard Mendy (GK) – 5/10 – I didn’t really have a backup to do with the rarely threatening wolves.

Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) – 6/10 – Put in a research center in the second half and was the only Chelsea center-back to have plenty of permits to advance.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) – 6/10 – Allowed Patricio to make a comfortable save after raising the highest of a free kick in the first half. I had very little to do defensively.

Thiago Silva (CB) – 6/10 – Makes a big challenge halfway to dispossess Podence, but rarely tested defensively.

Callum Hudson-Odoi (RWB) – 7/10 – Delivery was on point and seemed Chelsea’s most adventurous and creative player with his willingness to race against the players. Fantastic full-time follow-up to take on an important challenge and refuse Dendoncker.

Jorginho (CM) – 6/10 – Chelsea stayed the course, rarely giving up the ball as Chelsea dominated possession.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) – 7/10 – Razor sharp in possession as Chelsea dominated the ball. Picked Havertz with a smart through ball in building a big opportunity for Chilwell and bent an effort from the edge of the box narrowly wide.

Ben Chilwell (LWB) – 6/10 – Thrown a wide volley in the first half after meeting Hudson-Odoi’s delivery at the back post, before creating a golden opportunity in the second half.

Kai Havertz (FW) – 5/10 – Teed up Chilwell for Chelsea’s best game chance with a perfectly weighted cut. Quality lightning but unable to have a revealing impact on the game.

Olivier Giroud (ST) – 5/10 – Had a half-sniff on goal in the second half, but failed to make a clear connection with close range effort. Replaced with 14 minutes remaining after a relatively quiet evening.

Hakim Ziyech (FW) – 5/10 – Playing as an inside forward produced two fabulous cross passes, but never really got behind or questioned the Wolves backline.

Tammy Abraham – 5/10

Christian Pulisic – 6/10

Mason frame – 6/10

Rui Patricio (GK) – 6/10 – Forced into a comfortable save from a Rudiger header in the first half and a stretch stoppage to deny Hudson-Odoi in the second half.

Willy Boly (CB) – 8/10 – Put in a big defensive change as Wolves disciplined and frustrated Chelsea’s forward line, including a formidable clearance to prevent a teasing crossover from Mt.

Conor Coady (CB) – 7/10 – The Wolves background has been skillfully organized, with his team limiting Chelsea to very few chances – including a brave blockade to prevent Ziyech.

Max Kilman (CB) – 7/10 – Threw himself in front of anything and everything as the Wolves indulged in a resolute defensive performance.

Nelson Semedo (RWB) – 7/10 – Pushed back by Chilwell to make a five-minute comeback for much of the first half as Wolves remained compact and frustrated Chelsea’s front line. Switched to the left wing at half-time.

Leander Dendoncker (CM) – 6/10 – Arrived late in the box to move a little more in the first half and produced a big block to prevent Havertz in the second half.

Ruben Neves (CM) – 5/10 – Blazed well over a free kick on the edge of the box in the first half, but struggled to grab the ball as Chelsea dominated possession.

Rayan Ait-Nouri (LWB) – 5/10 – Like Semedo on the other flank, rarely ventured forward as part of a stiff Wolves back five. Was substituted at half-time.

Pedro Neto (FW) – 6/10 – Chose Dendoncker to score Wolves ‘first goal in the first half and appeared Wolves’ most dangerous player with his pace lap and forward raiding. Cut the crossbar with a marauding run forward and tried to finish with the scoop in the second half.

Daniel Podence (FW) – 5/10 – Effectively functioning as a fake new but was largely left to feed on leftovers. Combined well with Neto to set up Wolves’ best opening of the game, and was substituted 20 minutes from time.

Adama Traoré (FW) – 5/10 – Made a few forays forward but was otherwise relatively calm as Wolves spent much of the game camped in their own half.

Ki-Jana Hoever – 6/10

Willian Jose – 5/10

Joao Moutinho – N / A