It was the kind of game we’ve come to expect between Liverpool and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Full of bite, closely contested and gripping to the end.
Chelsea would take the lead early on courtesy of a Moises Caicedo missile from outside the 18-yard box. They would hold that lead until the break, untroubled by Liverpool for the most part.
The Reds grew into the game, looking much brighter in the second half. They equalised courtesy of a messy Cody Gakpo goal just past the hour mark.
But the hero of the moment was Estevao, popping up with a 96th minute winner.
Here’s how everyone got on.
Chelsea player ratings
Robert Sanchez – 7
Sanchez didn’t have a whole lot to do, surprisingly. No blame on him for the goal.
Reece James – 6
James was part of the mess in the box for Gakpo’s goal, but he could do little to prevent it from bundling to the feet of the Dutchman. The Chelsea captain was asked to play multiple roles as defenders began dropping like flies around him.
Josh Acheampong – 8
What composure and quality from the 19-year-old, unfazed by having to go up against Alexander Isak. It was a real shame to see him come off, but hopefully it’s not too serious.
Benoit Badiashile – 8
Badiashile went off with an injury shortly after the break, but before that, he was superb.
Marc Cucurella – 7
Marking Mohammed Salah can make for a long day’s work, but the Spaniard put in a solid shift. Did brilliantly to assist the winner.
Malo Gusto – 7
Gusto’s deployment in midfield was a surprise, but Maresca was quickly justified as the Brazilian assisted Moises Caicedo within 15 minutes. He would drop into defence in the second half, and maybe could have done more at the back post for Liverpool’s goal, but a very solid performance overall.
Moises Caicedo – 8
An unbelievable strike from Caicedo, and a quality defensive shift put in, especially after Badiashile’s exit. He is now Chelsea’s top scorer in the Premier League. Complete.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Enzo has done well in the more advanced role, minimising the impact of Cole Palmer’s injury. But he had a chance to win the game, and he didn’t take it. Luckily, he was bailed out.
Alejandro Garnacho – 6
Garnacho was a useful outlet on the left flank. The most dangerous he has looked in a Chelsea shirt.
Pedro Neto – 5
It was another quiet performance from Neto, not troubling either Liverpool left-back as we know he can.
Joao Pedro – 4
The Brazilian was pretty much shut down by Liverpool’s centre-backs. A very uneventful outing.
Substitutions
Romeo Lavia – 6
Lavia came on for the injured Badiashile and did well in midfield.
Jorrel Hato – 6
Nothing to criticise from Hato’s cameo.
Marc Guiu – 5
Like Pedro, Guiu was shut down by Van Dijk and Konate.
Estevao – 8
The 18-year-old breathed new life into Chelsea when he came on, looking far more positive than any of Chelsea’s attackers to that point. He deserved the winner and is making a case for the starting berth.
Jamie Gittens – 6
A decent effort at goal and a couple of exciting runs on the left. Should have done better through on goal in the dying embers.
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