Chelsea’s defence is a major talking point right now due to the sheer volume of injury problems. Even so, the Blues put in an impressive display on Saturday to beat rivals Liverpool 2-1 in a Premier League classic at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea picked up three league points in their final match before the international break, beating Liverpool in a chaotic match.
The fixture was decided in stoppage time with a late goal from Estevao Willian, who celebrated afterwards with Cole Palmer. It was certainly a memorable way for the 18-year-old attacker to score his first competitive goal for his new club.
The result leaves Enzo Maresca’s side with 11 points from their opening seven league games. Next, they travel to Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest on 18 October.
Jason Cundy really impressed by Josh Acheampong before injury blow
Jason Cundy thought that Chelsea youngster Josh Acheampong, 19, was immense against Liverpool while he was on the pitch.
The academy graduate looked the part at centre-half this weekend. However, he was forced off midway through the second half and replaced by Jorrel Hato with a suspected injury problem.
Cundy said via Chelsea’s official app (6:18pm, 4 October): “I want to big up Josh Acheampong. He has been outstanding, by the way. Absolutely outstanding. He has been so good. Everything he has done.”
As a result of the club’s defensive crisis, Chelsea started against Liverpool with a new-look partnership at centre-half, with Acheampong next to Benoit Badiashile. They actually held their own and looked extremely composed, too.
Unfortunately, Badiashile came off 10 minutes into the second half with a potential injury before Acheampong soon followed.
It is quite remarkable that the Blues finished the Liverpool fixture with Hato and Reece James in the centre-back positions.
The international break may be coming at a good time for Chelsea because they look thin on the ground in the heart of defence. Tosin Adarabioyo could be back after the international break from his injury, while Wesley Fofana will be available after a concussion, and Trevoh Chalobah has served his suspension.
Fans should hope Acheampong and Badiashile don’t have any serious problems because both were excellent against Liverpool before their early substitutions.
Josh Acheampong statistics vs Liverpool
On just his second Premier League start this season, Acheampong looked confident and strong for Chelsea against Liverpool.
The 19-year-old defender, who can play as a right-back or centre-half, excelled in the latter this weekend. He usually looks mature beyond his years when he’s on the football pitch, which is why supporters are very excited about his future.
| Minutes played | Accurate passes | Touches | Interceptions | Recoveries | Aerial duels won | Match rating |
| 68 | 35/45 (78%) | 49 | 1 | 4 | 1/1 (100%) |
Chelsea fans have been desperate for Acheampong to play more, especially since his performance on the opening day against Crystal Palace.
While the English teenager is still very much learning on the job, he’s proven he can cope on the highest level. We hope to see the academy graduate play a lot more football in the remainder of 2025, providing his injury concern isn’t anything serious.
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