Wolves manager Vitor Pereira took “responsibility” for his side’s latest defeat as Chelsea progressed to the quarter-finals of the League Cup on Wednesday.
The Blues were three up by the interval following goals from Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estevao Willian, setting them on their way to what should have been a straightforward victory at Molineux.
But Tolu Arokodare pulled one back early in the second half to give Wanderers faint hope fo a comeback. Full-back David Moller Wolfe then brought them back within one midway through the half.
Chelsea were then reduced to ten men when Liam Delap, making his first appearance since August, received a red card for a second bookable offence. Regardless, moments later Jamie Gittens scored an unbelievable strike in off the woodwork with just over a minute of normal time remaining.
Wolves shot back quickly once more, though, as Wolfe got his second of the night in stoppage time, but they ran out of time to find an equaliser, exiting the cup in the fourth round.
The Midlands outfit have won just two games so far this season, both of which have come in this competition. With the club sitting bottom of the Premier League table on just two points, Pereira is under severe pressure to turn things around.
Wolves boss accepts blame as Chelsea inflict latest defeat
“What a second half,” he told BBC Sport. “In the first half, we conceded the first goal and when I looked at the team, they were a bit lost and we conceded the second and third goals.
“It’s my responsibility. We changed 11 players today and we play with 11 players who have not been playing for a long time. The connection is not easy for this kind of game.
“We spoke at half-time and I told them it is my fault, but I want to see my team and the spirit. We won 3-1 in the second half. The goal we conceded was a pity. We had the chance to score more goals.
“I am very happy with the spirit we showed in the second half and with our supporters. We feel the energy to compete and to change the situation.”
