Matheus Cunha equals Kanu's Stamford Bridge feat with performance against Chelsea

Matheus Cunha emulated Kanu with a Stamford Bridge hat-trick | Imago, African Football

Matheus Cunha equals Kanu's Stamford Bridge feat with performance against Chelsea

Ayoola Kelechi 19:16 - 05.02.2024

The Wolves forward destroyed Chelsea with a sensational hat-trick to stand on the same pedestal as some of the Premier League's greatest-ever players

In an electrifying display of skill and precision, Matheus Cunha joined the ranks of footballing legends after his remarkable performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. 

The Brazilian forward scored a hat-trick, leading Wolverhampton Wanderers to a stunning 4-1 victory over the Blues, a feat that places him in an exclusive club of visiting players who have managed to score three goals in a Premier League match at this iconic venue. 

Cunha Demolishes Chelsea to enter special group

Before Cunha, only three other Premier League players had ever scored hat-tricks at Stamford Bridge, including Nwankwo Kanu for Arsenal in 1999, Robin van Persie for Arsenal in 2011, and Sergio Agüero for Man City in 2016.

Cunha's performance was nothing short of spectacular, demonstrating his incredible talent and knack for being in the right place at the right time. His hat-trick not only secured a vital win for Wolves but also etched his name in Premier League history. 

The match, which ended in a 4-1 defeat for Chelsea, was further marred for the home side by an own goal from Axel Disasi, adding insult to injury in a game that Chelsea would quickly like to forget. However, for Wolves and Cunha, the victory at Stamford Bridge will be remembered as a historic triumph, highlighting the Brazilian's ability to perform on the biggest stage.

Kanu's Famous Hat-Trick Against Chelsea

Cunha's feat draws a direct parallel to Nwankwo Kanu's legendary performance in 1999. The Nigerian forward, playing for Arsenal, staged one of the most memorable comebacks in Premier League history against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. With Arsenal trailing by two goals, Kanu's incredible hat-trick, including a last-minute winner, stunned the Chelsea fans and secured a 3-2 victory for the Gunners. His performance is still celebrated by Arsenal fans and is considered one of the greatest individual displays in the league's history.

Kanu scores the last of his three goals against Chelsea from an improbable angle | Imago
Kanu scores the last of his three goals against Chelsea from an improbable angle | Imago

Kanu's hat-trick was not just about the goals but the manner in which they were scored, with the third goal epitomizing his skill and audacity. Receiving the ball near the corner flag, under pressure from multiple defenders, Kanu managed to loop the ball over the goalkeeper from an almost impossible angle. This moment of magic is frequently cited as one of the most ingenious goals in football.