Fog envelopes the field during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
The Associated Press
WOLVERHAMPTON, England (AP) - Coronavirus-depleted Chelsea was held 0-0 by Wolverhampton at a foggy Molineux to lose further ground on Premier League leader Manchester City on Sunday.
Daniel Podence had a first-half tap-in ruled out for offside and Leander Dendoncker spurned a glorious chance as Wolves missed opportunities to grab a winner and Chelsea settled for a fourth draw in eight league matches.
Chelsea traveled without at least eight senior players but still managed to field a strong XI. The Blues again struggled for fluency, however, eventually slipping six points behind leaders and defending champion City, which beat Newcastle 4-0.
Chelsea said it was left 'œdeeply disappointed'ť by the Premier League rejecting its request to postpone the Wolves trip, given their rising number of COVID-19 cases.
___
More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
Chelsea's N'Golo Kante, left, and Wolverhampton Wanderers' Conor Coady challenge for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
The Associated Press
Chelsea's and Wolverhampton Wanderers' players react at the end of the the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
The Associated Press
Wolverhampton Wanderers' goalkeeper Jose Sa makes a save during the English Premier League soccer match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux stadium in Wolverhampton, England, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)
The Associated Press