Enzo Maresca's side dominated the contest from the first whistle, but were left frustrated come the interval as a combination of good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing meant the game was goalless.

However, the breakthrough arrived early in the second half and, from that point on, a Chelsea victory was inevitable. Gusto opened the scoring with a close-range header; his celebration did justice to a memorable moment in blue.

The introduction of Estevao Willian improved Chelsea further, and he created our second goal of the night, which was finished confidently by Joao Pedro. Alejandro Garnacho then capped off an impressive display by claiming his second assist, this time teeing up Pedro Neto.

Victory lifts Maresca's side to second in the table after 11 matches – and we go into the international break with momentum behind us.

Changes made

Maresca made eight changes to his side, with Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap coming into the starting XI.

Ahead of kick-off, those inside Stamford Bridge observed a moment's silence to honour those who lost their lives in conflict across the world. The Last Post, played by a Trumpeter of the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, followed. We will remember them.

Once the action got underway, there was no sign of any sluggishness following our trip to Baku. The Blues started with purpose and, with Fernandez heavily involved, chances were fashioned.

The Argentine was first to threaten goal with a free-kick that Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone palmed behind. He then created an opportunity for Garnacho with a lovely clipped pass over the visiting backline, but again Johnstone reacted well to save.

The final chance of our early flurry saw a neat passage of play end with Marc Cucurella firing toward goal and Fernandez instinctively trying to guide the ball home. It bounced wide of the post, but the pressure was building.

Garnacho proved a consistent outlet in the opening period and he flashed a cross into the six-yard box that Johnstone pushed into the air. Joao Pedro reacted and attempted to turn the ball back toward goal, yet couldn't get the required connection.

Fernandez continued to pose a threat and he forced Johnstone into another save with a volley that bounced up off the turn and toward the top corner. From the resulting corner, his delivery cleared the Wolves goalkeeper and was hacked off the goal line.

Wolves were camped out on the edge of their box as the half progressed and it was difficult for the Blues to construct a way through what was often ten players behind the ball. Fofana did see a close-range attempt blocked before the half ended with Joao Pedro dragging an effort wide. There was work to do.

Faith rewarded

Maresca opted against any changes at the interval, keeping faith in those who started. That was rewarded six minutes after the restart as the Blues broke the deadlock.

Another spell of pressure saw the ball worked out wide to Garnacho and he shifted back inside onto his right foot and flighted a cross to the back post. Gusto was left unmarked and the France international was able to guide the ball home to open his Chelsea account.

The goal was one the Blues' dominance deserved – and we went in search of a second to firmly take control of the game. There was a rare sight of goal for the tightly marked Delap, but his strike from 20 yards rolled harmlessly into the arms of Johnstone.

Wolves had not registered a shot on goal in the first hour, and their first of the night was instantly forgettable as Jean-Ricner Bellegarde fired well over from distance.

An instant impact

Maresca turned to his bench, with Estevao Willian replacing the Delap, who gained important minutes as he builds his fitness following injury. The Brazilian made an impact in less than two minutes.

Gifted the ball down the Chelsea right, the 18-year-old drove into the Wolves' penalty area, shimmied the ball onto his right foot and fired it into the box. The cross deflected into the path of Joao Pedro, who powered his finish beyond Johnstone.

With a two-goal deficit to make up, Wolves began to commit more players forward. That meant more space for the Blues to exploit, which we did to devastating effect for our third goal of the night.

Fernandez was involved once more, as he knocked the ball deep into Wolves territory for Garnacho to chase.

The Argentine international stayed composed to square a pass across goal for Neto, who was left with a simple finish against his former club.

With the Blues effectively out of sight, Maresca made his second change of the night as Marc Guiu replaced Neto. The Spaniard was instantly involved, striking the post from close range after Joao Pedro had seen a shot saved and then guiding a shot across goal after more impressive work from Estevao.

Andrey Santos and Jamie Gittens were introduced with seven minutes to play – Enzo Fernandez and Joao Pedro made way – but the game was won. Wolves stirred, although Sanchez didn't have a save to make all evening.

There was a roar of approval from the Chelsea supporters inside Stamford Bridge after the full-time whistle was blown. Victory was deserved and hard-earned. Next comes Burnley after the international break.

What it means...

The Blues sit, at least overnight, second in the Premier League table with 20 points claimed from our opening 11 matches of the campaign.

What comes next...

The international break and then a long trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley on 22 November.

The teams

Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez (c) (Andrey Santos 83); Pedro Neto (Guiu 77), Joao Pedro (Gittens 83), Garnacho; Delap (Estevao Willian 64)
Chelsea substitutes: Jorgensen, James, Acheampong, Tosin, Hato
Goalscorers: Gusto 51, Joao Pedro 65, Pedro Neto 73
Booked: Caicedo 60

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Johnston; Tchatchoua, S.Bueno, Krejci, Toti, H.Bueno; Bellegarde (Munetsi 70), Andre, Joao Gomes; Strand Larsen, Hwang (Mane 70)
Wolverhampton Wanderers substitutes: Sa, Hoever, Wolfe, Arias, Arokodare, Mosquera, Chirewa
Booked: Andre 49, Munetsi 79

Attendance: 39,467