Estevao’s Late Heroics Lift Chelsea Past Liverpool
Chelsea’s youthful exuberance triumphed over Liverpool’s experience in a dramatic 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge in London, England, sealed by an injury-time strike from Estevao Willian on Saturday, 4 October.
Blues midfielder Moises Caicedo opened the scoring with a thunderous effort from 22 metres at the 14th-minute mark, before Cody Gakpo levelled for Liverpool 18 minutes into the second half.
The visitors struggled throughout: Mohamed Salah was wasteful, and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence was again exposed in defence.
Willian – an 18-year-old Brazilian winger who moved to Chelsea from Palmeiras during the mid-year transfer window – came off the bench to slot home Marc Cucurella’s low cross in the 95th minute, sparking wild celebrations from manager Enzo Maresca, who was sent off for sprinting down the touchline.
Assistant Willy Caballero later commented that Maresca was “so happy” due to his players doing such “a fantastic job”.
The hosts’ resolve was tested by injuries to Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong, but their energy and discipline shone through. Cole Palmer, watching from the sidelines, embraced Estevao after the final whistle, recognising the significance of his late goal.
The win – Chelsea’s first over the reigning champions under Todd Boehly’s ownership – leaves Liverpool reeling from a third straight defeat and keeps Arsenal top of the English Premier League heading into the international break.
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