Chelsea achieved their first win in six Premier League matches by defeating relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 at home on Monday. Goals from defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella, along with a third from winger Noni Madueke, sealed the victory.

This win propelled Chelsea, who were as high as second just last month, above Manchester City and Newcastle United, securing the fourth - place spot. Meanwhile, Wolves managed to stay out of the bottom three only on goal difference, just ahead of Ipswich Town.

The hosts, aiming to get back on track for a spot in next season's Champions League, took the lead in the 24th minute when Tosin slotted the ball home from close range.

However, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez made a costly error in first - half stoppage time. He dropped a corner, allowing Matt Doherty to stab the ball in and level the score for Wolves.

Home fans were worried about a repeat of previous games where Chelsea had squandered leads. Their concerns were put to rest when Cucurella scored after Kiernan Dewsbury - Hall, making his first league start for the Blues, flicked on a Madueke cross in the 60th minute.

Five minutes later, Madueke nodded the ball in to ensure that a header from Trevoh Chalobah, who had just returned to Stamford Bridge after being recalled from a loan spell at Crystal Palace, crossed the line.

Madueke told Sky Sports, "It's instinct. 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.'"

Chelsea now have 40 points from 22 games, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool and 4 points adrift of second - placed Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. They are two points clear of Manchester City and Newcastle.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca received a boost with the return of club captain Reece James, who made his first start following a series of injury - related absences.

Maresca told the BBC, "The performance until 40 minutes was very good, then in the last five minutes we faced difficulties. They scored a goal and we lost some confidence, which has happened a few times this season. We need to learn to manage these situations better. In the second half, we started well and scored the goals. Overall, I think we deserved to win the game. We reacted well in the second half. After five games without a win, it's not easy to do that. So it was important to win the game."

Chalobah also strengthened the Blues' defence after the injuries to Wesley Fofana and Benoît Badiashile.

Defender Levi Colwill and midfielders Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernández were all absent from the squad as Chelsea prepared for their trip to face champions Manchester City on Saturday.