Chelsea produced a dramatic late show at Stamford Bridge as 18-year-old Estevao Willian struck deep into stoppage time to hand the Blues a deserved 2-1 win and condemn Liverpool to their third successive defeat.
The teenager’s poise in the dying seconds sparked wild celebrations, even though head coach Enzo Maresca was sent off in the aftermath.
Although the Premier League champions began with purpose, Chelsea quickly seized control. After only 14 minutes, Moises Caicedo unleashed a thunderous 20-yard strike that flew beyond deputy goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was standing in for the injured Alisson. With the home crowd behind them, Chelsea looked sharper and hungrier than their visitors.
Nevertheless, Liverpool searched for a response. Manager Arne Slot, desperate to halt a run of poor form, opted to leave £116m signing Florian Wirtz on the bench. Yet with his side trailing at half-time, the German midfielder was introduced in search of creativity. The shift in personnel provided some energy, but Chelsea still looked more likely to score again.
Gakpo offers hope but Chelsea keep the upper hand
Despite Chelsea’s control, Liverpool found a lifeline in the 62nd minute. Cody Gakpo reacted instinctively to turn home from close range after Alexander Isak’s touched down Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross. The equaliser briefly lifted the champions, but their momentum was short-lived.
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As the clock ticked down, Mamardashvili made vital stops from Jamie Gittens and Estevao, while Enzo Fernandez wasted a gilt-edged chance by heading against the post with the goal at his mercy. The match seemed destined for a draw, much to the relief of Liverpool, who were holding on despite their struggles.
However, as they had been at Crystal Palace a week earlier, Liverpool were undone in stoppage time. Marc Cucurella whipped in a teasing cross, and Estevao stole in front of Andrew Robertson to flick the ball past Mamardashvili, sparking bedlam in West London.
Liverpool’s troubles deepen as Slot faces critical questions
Defeat for the Reds was another painful blow in a dismal week. After falling to Palace and Galatasaray, Slot’s side have now suffered three straight losses, raising concerns about both confidence and form. Mohamed Salah’s struggles continued, as the Egyptian forward missed several opportunities, summing up the team’s frustrations.
Although Slot restored Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai to midfield, his side lacked the authority that carried them to last season’s title. Even Isak, involved in Gakpo’s goal, appeared short of rhythm following his unsettled move from Newcastle.
Ultimately, Liverpool now trail leaders Arsenal by a single point, yet their aura of invincibility has vanished. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s victory showed both resilience and promise, with Estevao’s decisive moment hinting at a bright future.
Tags: Chelsea, Liverpool, Estevao, Stamford Bridge, Moises Caicedo, #KTBFFH, #COYB, #CFC, #YNWA, #LFC, Marc Cucurella, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, #PL, #PremierLeague26, #EPL, #CHELIV, Enzo Maresca.
