Estevao Strikes Late As Chelsea Stun Liverpool At Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s Brazilian prodigy, Estevao, announced himself on the Premier League stage with a stoppage-time winner that handed Liverpool their third straight defeat and reshaped the title race. The 17-year-old forward slid in at the far post to convert Marc Cucurella’s cross in the dying minutes, clinching a 2-1 victory that reignited Chelsea’s campaign and sent defending champions Liverpool tumbling down the table.

It was a moment of sheer drama at Stamford Bridge as the Blues, battling injuries and inconsistency, produced one of their best performances of the season. The win not only ended Chelsea’s three-game winless run but also lifted them to sixth place, while Liverpool slipped one point behind leaders Arsenal after another disappointing outing.

Chelsea’s intent was clear from the start. Midfielder Moises Caicedo, once a top target for Liverpool, gave the hosts an early lead with a thunderous strike into the top corner just 14 minutes in. His goal set the tone for a high-intensity contest that saw both sides press relentlessly for control.

For Liverpool, the pressure continues to mount on Arne Slot after a miserable week that saw his side crash out of the Carabao Cup and suffer back-to-back league defeats. The Reds looked lethargic for much of the first half, struggling to cope with Chelsea’s pace and pressing in midfield.

Liverpool’s Struggles Deepen

Liverpool’s record-breaking signing, Alexander Isak, who arrived last month for £125 million, remains without a league goal but provided a rare bright moment when his clever touch set up Cody Gakpo to equalize just after the hour mark. The visitors grew into the game briefly after that, with Darwin Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai both coming close, but Chelsea’s determination ultimately prevailed.

As stoppage time loomed, Estevao, dubbed “Messinho” for his flair and composure, ghosted past his marker to meet Cucurella’s low delivery and slot home from close range. His goal sent the home fans into raptures and prompted manager Enzo Maresca to sprint down the touchline in celebration, an act that earned him a red card but underlined the emotion of the moment.

Liverpool’s defeat extends a worrying trend. After starting the season with seven straight wins in all competitions, the Merseysiders have now lost three consecutive games, conceding six goals in the process. Their defensive lapses, once rare under Jurgen Klopp, have become a recurring issue under Slot, with the midfield struggling to provide adequate protection.

The loss means Arsenal now sit top of the table following their 2-0 win over West Ham earlier in the day. Chelsea, meanwhile, appear to have rediscovered their confidence and rhythm after weeks of inconsistent form, offering fans a glimpse of the promise Maresca’s young side holds.

Arsenal Go Top, United Find Relief

Elsewhere, Arsenal marked Mikel Arteta’s 300th game in charge with a comfortable victory over West Ham at the Emirates. Goals from Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka ensured the Gunners took full advantage of Liverpool’s slip, although captain Martin Ødegaard limped off with yet another injury concern.

Manchester United also eased some of the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim with a 2-0 win over Sunderland, thanks to goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Šeško. Amorim, who has faced criticism for United’s inconsistent start, praised his side’s “mature performance,” as they registered only their third clean sheet of the season.

Tottenham continued their resurgence under Thomas Frank with a hard-fought 2-1 win away at Leeds. Mohammed Kudus scored his first goal for Spurs to seal the victory and lift them into third place, capping off an eventful day that reshaped the Premier League’s top half.

Chelsea’s win, however, remains the headline moment, a statement performance led by youth, belief, and a touch of Brazilian brilliance. As Stamford Bridge erupted in celebration, Estevao’s debut goal not only secured three crucial points but also hinted that a new star may be rising in London.