Enzo Maresca was sent off as Chelsea earnt an outstanding and fully deserved 2-1 win over Premier League leaders Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
They took the lead through Moises Caicedo’s blistering piledriver of a finish in the first half and took that advantage into the break.
But the equaliser came from Cody Gakpo in the second half from close range, following a lay-off from Alexander Isak.
Then deep in injury time, 18-year-old substitute Estevao converted from close range for the winning goal, with Maresca sprinting to the corner flag to celebrate with his team but sent off for his celebrations.
Dom Smith was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players’ performances…
Robert Sanchez 7
His distribution helped Chelsea a lot. Couldn’t be faulted for the levelling goal. A good performance from the goalkeeper.
Malo Gusto 7
Much better from the man singled out for criticism by the returning Jose Mourinho after the Benfica win on Tuesday night. Slotted well in midfield and assisted the opener, and then went to right-back later on.
Josh Acheampong 8
Great performance from the youngster, who played with a maturity beyond his years as he marauded out from the back with the ball at his feet on multiple occasions.
Benoit Badiashile 7
A very composed performance by a player who has stepped up while others have been out. Unfortunate for the defender that he picked up an injury and had to head off after 55 minutes.
Marc Cucurella 8
Played very well and never stopped working. Was unlucky that the cross deflected off his boot in the lead-up to Liverpool’s equaliser but came back and assisted the winner.
Reece James 7
A perfectly fine performance without the Englishman being spectacular. Started at right-back but moved into central defence once Badiashile had gone off. Did well when being pressed intently.
Moises Caicedo 8
A fearsome presence in central midfield, and the scorer of a blinding goal from distance, battered right into the top corner.
Pedro Neto 6
Plenty of ingenuity on the right flank and saw lots of the ball, but the Portuguese sometimes struggles for end product and did again.
Enzo Fernandez 6
Not the Argentine’s most impactful display but worked hard and did OK in the No10 role. His eyes lit up at the last, but his late header hit the post.
Alejandro Garnacho 6
His work ethic could not be faulted but his end product was perhaps a little too predictable in the final third.
Joao Pedro 5
Other than a couple of nice turns and passes, it was a largely anonymous display from the Brazilian striker.
Subs:
Romeo Lavia (Badiashile, 55’) 7
Really physical in midfield after he was introduced. Good display from the Belgian.
Jorrel Hato (Acheampong, 68’) 6
Very helpful addition to the team late on, with some important last-ditch defending under pressure.
Estevao (Neto, 74’) 8
The Chelsea hero. The teenager came on and tried to make things happen by taking risks, as he always seems to. Then scored the winner deep in injury time for his first goal for Chelsea.
Marc Guiu (Joao Pedro, 74’) 5
Pressed high but saw little of the ball.
Jamie Gittens (Garnacho, 74’) 5
After a couple of poor errors, grew into his cameo and forced a very good save.
Not used: Jorgensen, Slonina, Buonanotte, Emenalo
