Entering the field at the end of the match, 18-year-old striker Estevao only needed 20 minutes to score the decisive goal in the Chelsea - Liverpool match in round 7 of the Premier League, which took place on the night of October 4 and ended in the early morning of October 5 (Vietnam time). Estevao's first goal in the "Blues" shirt pushed Liverpool deeper into crisis with their third consecutive defeat.
Young rookie shines
Chelsea started the game proactively despite having personnel difficulties, especially in defense. They created a better game than their opponents. In the 14th minute, Moises Caicedo unleashed a dangerous long-range shot, opening the score for the home team to the excitement of the audience at Stamford Bridge.
Liverpool rallied in the second half, taking advantage of Cody Gakpo's speed and Alexander Isak's technique. In the 63rd minute, Gakpo equalized 1-1 after an incredible assist from Isak, rekindling hope for the visitors. However, while Liverpool were busy looking for a second goal, Chelsea were still patiently defending, waiting for their chance.
Estevao sinks Liverpool with his first Premier League goal. Photo: CHELSEAFC
Coach Enzo Maresca sent Estevao onto the field in the 75th minute and that decision changed the game. In the 90+5 minute, from Marc Cucurella's cross, "Messinho" chose the perfect landing spot, delicately touched the ball to beat goalkeeper Mamardashvili, sealing a 2-1 victory for Chelsea.
According to commentators, it is rare to see a young rookie whose teammates are always looking for ways to pass the ball to make a difference. In just 15 minutes on the pitch, Estevao successfully made 3 dribbles, created 2 clear chances and scored the decisive goal against Liverpool.
A style of play that blends South American improvisation with the discipline Maresca is building at Chelsea, adding a deft left foot and the ability to dribble in tight spaces with impressive bursts of speed, Estevao evokes the image of Neymar of old.
Chelsea have just had their third win since the beginning of the season, but coach Enzo Maresca's tactical mark in the Premier League is increasingly clear.
If we do not count the two bitter defeats against Brighton and Man United or the times they were held to a draw by Crystal Palace and Brentford, the victory over Liverpool opens the door to Chelsea's future. If they know how to put their faith in their young players, they will "live well" and succeed...
Fragile champion
Liverpool left London in utter disappointment. Having lost points against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea, it was easy to imagine the many challenges that lay ahead, with only a few weeks to improve during the FIFA Days in October.
The Reds have never played so poorly under coach Arne Slot. The squad is disjointed, the players lack courage, and even the main stars no longer have the steely spirit that once made Liverpool famous.
Mohamed Salah, the Merseyside team's number 1 star, is still energetic but his scoring efficiency has been slipping. Three goals and three assists in nine games is not a disaster, but given his class, it is a real disappointment. When Salah is silent, Liverpool have almost no effective backup plan.
Expensive new signings like Alexander Isak (£125m) and Florian Wirtz (£116m) have also failed to live up to expectations. Isak assisted Gakpo to score but for the rest of the match, he was completely lackluster, lacking sharpness and physical strength.
Florian Wirtz came off the bench but continuously made bad passes, unable to keep up with the terrifying pace of the match he was participating in for the first time.
Arne Slot's problem also lies in the defense. Virgil van Dijk is no longer the "steel shield" he used to be, Ibrahima Konaté has lost his form and left the field injured. Andy Robertson played slowly, which was considered the reason for the decisive goal when he could not stop Estevao in a one-on-one situation in the 90+5 minute.
Alisson Becker is out for about a month with an injury, forcing coach Slot to use Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal. Although the Georgian rookie made a few excellent saves, will he be tormented by his inability to prevent Estevao's fateful touch?
Liverpool seem to be losing direction as their key players are fading, new players are not yet integrated, and the defense keeps making mistakes. Coach Arne Slot needs to find a new winning formula, if he does not want the "Red Brigade"'s spirit and will to decline before Christmas.
Estevao was valued at 60 million euros when he joined Chelsea in 2024 and made many people skeptical. However, after just a few appearances, the young talent that experts call "Brazilian Messi" has shown his great potential.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/chelsea-nhan-chim-liverpool-trong-khung-hoang-196251005210127751.htm
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