The hosts, managed by Enzo Maresca, set the tone early with a sensational strike from Moises Caicedo in the 14th minute. Given time and space outside the box, the Ecuadorian midfielder unleashed an unstoppable drive from approximately 20-25 yards out, which arrowed into the top-right corner of the net, leaving Liverpool's stand-in goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, with no chance.
Despite Chelsea controlling much of the first half, Liverpool, without the injured Alisson, regrouped after the break.
They found their equalizer just past the hour mark in the 63rd minute when Cody Gakpo connected with a superb lay-off from Alexander Isak inside the box, rifling the ball home from close range to level the score.The final 15 minutes of the match became a frantic, end-to-end spectacle. Chelsea substitutes, particularly 18-year-old Estevao, injected fresh attacking impetus. The young Brazilian was a constant threat, forcing a fine save from Mamardashvili shortly after coming on.
The decisive moment arrived in the sixth minute of added time. A well-constructed move saw Enzo Fernandez slip a pass to Marc Cucurella, who whipped the ball across the six-yard box. Poised at the back post, Estevao stretched to guide the ball past the onrushing Mamardashvili for his first goal for the club, sparking wild scenes of jubilation from the players, manager Maresca, and the Stamford Bridge faithful.
The hard-fought 2-1 victory for Chelsea lifts them to sixth place in the table and provides a much-needed boost after two consecutive league defeats. For Arne Slot’s Liverpool, this second last-gasp league loss in a week—coupled with recent cup disappointment—has led to an early-season 'mini-crisis', with the champions now dropping to second place, a point behind new leaders Arsenal.
Moises Caicedo, who opened the scoring with a 'screamer', was widely praised for his man-of-the-match performance, while Estevao’s match-winning contribution ensures this dramatic Premier League clash will be a moment to remember for the Blues.
