'Keep fighting, dad!' - Wolves hero Mario Lemina dedicates goal against Chelsea to hospitalised father

The Gabonese midfielder headed in his side's opener against the Blues, before Matt Doherty added a second and Christopher Nkunku grabbed a consolation strike at Molineux on Christmas Eve in a 2-1 win. After the match, the former Southampton man was asked about his celebration where he lapped up the applause from the home fans. He explained, fighting back tears, that his father had been in hospital for two months and he wished him a speedy recovery. The midfielder then took to social media later that day to drive home the message.

While football takes over much of millions of people's lives, sometimes a bit of perspective is important. Family and health come right at the top of the list and everyone will be wishing Lemina's father the best after hearing of his long spell in hospital.

Wolves, who rose to 11th after the win over Chelsea, round off their 2023 with an away trip to Brentford on December 27, before hosting Everton three days later. If results go their way, Wolves could finish the year as high as eighth in the Premier League table.