Brazilian teenager Estevao scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner to seal a 2-1 win for Chelsea over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, handing the visitors their third straight defeat in all competitions.
Liverpool came into the match looking to rebound from losses to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, which had seen them relinquish top spot in the Premier League to Arsenal. However, their struggles continued as Chelsea delivered a deserved win, capped by Estevao’s late strike.
Moises Caicedo opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute, firing a powerful 20-yard effort past Giorgi Mamardashvili, who was filling in for the injured Alisson.
Under-pressure Liverpool head coach Arne Slot opted to bench £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz, but brought him on at the start of the second half in search of a spark. The equaliser eventually came in the 62nd minute, with Cody Gakpo reacting quickly in the six-yard box to finish after Alexander Isak flicked on Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross.
Chelsea pressed on and Mamardashvili was called into action late on, making crucial saves to deny Estevao and Jamie Gittens. Enzo Fernandez then missed a golden chance to snatch victory in stoppage time, heading against the outside of the post with the goal gaping.
Just when it seemed the points would be shared, Estevao struck in the final seconds, getting ahead of Andrew Robertson to turn in Marc Cucurella’s cross, sparking jubilant scenes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was sent off for racing down the touchline in celebration.
The result leaves Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, one point clear of Liverpool, after the Gunners defeated West Ham United earlier on Saturday
