Noni Madueke apologised for taking Trevoh Chalobah's goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers as he jokingly said that he had to do it because it is what Chelsea "pay him to do".
Madueke nodded home into an empty net to make it 3-1, despite Chalobah's header from Cole Palmer's corner appearing to go in.
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"I think I knew it was going over the line so I said sorry to Trevoh - but he still got an assist on his return," Madueke said to Sky Sports in his post-match interview.
"Trevoh was saying 'no way you took that goal' so I told him 'bro you have to understand, this is what they pay me to do!'"
Madueke's goal v Wolves
Noni heads home. 😍#CFC | #CHEWOL pic.twitter.com/NoAL04sFRr
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 21, 2025
Madueke was full of praise for Chalobah, though, as he produced a superb performance in his first appearance after returning from his loan at Crystal Palace.
"Unbelievable. Leadership, character, bravery on the ball. He slotted in seamlessly so I am delighted for him," Madueke added.
"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."
Chalobah also received plaudits from his centre-back partner Tosin Adarabioyo, who added: "[Trevoh 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."
Maresca: It is good to have Chalobah back
It was the first time this season Enzo Maresca paired Tosin and Chalobah this season, as the Chelsea head coach expressed his delight of the pair against Wolves.
"They did fantastic, Tosin and Trev, all of them were good, including Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] too," Maresca said.
"Absolutely [it is good to have Chalobah back]. He was very good and I have said already that the reason he is back is because we are sure he is going to help us and tonight he showed exactly what he is capable of doing.
"He is a strong defender. He is quick, he can defend in behind, he can defend forward, he is aggressive, but we already knew that, which is the reason we called him back."