Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea nicked all three points at the death with a gutsy showing against the champions Liverpool. The west Londoners entered the game patched up with injuries and on the back of two consecutive defeats in the Premier League.
In need of a statement performance after a rocky couple of weeks, Chelsea found the breakthrough in the first half when Moises Caicedo took aim from 20 yards out. The Liverpool goalkeeper got his fingers to the strike, but the power from the midfielder proved too hot to handle. Liverpool did test the Chelsea backline at times, but the Blues were able to see the half out with their one-goal lead intact.
The home side took their foot off the gas in the second half and ultimately paid the price, with Liverpool and their abundance of attacking players eventually breaching the Blues’ defence when Cody Gakpo equalised. That appeared to galvanise Chelsea though, with Estevao landing a deserved killer blow on their Merseyside opponents in added time. Express Sport rates the Chelsea players following their late win vs Liverpool.
Robert Sanchez – 6
Looked a little shaky with his distribution, but that isn’t particularly anything new. Couldn’t have done much about the Gakpo effort, given the proximity to the goal.
Reece James – 7
So crucial to a lot of what Chelsea are looking to do, and even dealt with Alexander Isak when asked to step into centre back. As always with the Englishman, it’s a case of maintaining his fitness and staving away injury concerns, which is easier said than done.
Josh Acheampong – 7
Had been great before pulling up midway through the second half through injury, as Maresca and Chelsea’s problems continue to mount in that area of the pitch.
Benoit Badiashile – 7
Another one who would’ve been gutted to have been taken off with what appears yet another injury problem. But prior to that, along with his steely partner in the middle, he’d defended superbly at the heart of defence.
Marc Cucurella – 8
Had coasted a little bit throughout the match but popped up with a stunning assist for Estevao’s last-gasp winner. That alone is worth a couple of extra points on the ratings.
Malo Gusto – 6
Had the unenviable task of starting the match out of his natural position, but the 22-year-old held his own against Liverpool’s central midfielders. Continued to battle to good effect when shifted to his natural right-back position.
Moises Caicedo – 8
Has quietly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, with the Ecuadorian putting on another stellar showing against Liverpool.
Enzo Fernandez – 6
Wasn’t his most effective game in a Chelsea shirt. Forced to carry a lot of the creative burden in Cole Palmer’s absence but looked a little clunky at times. Much more suited to playing deeper in the No.8 position alongside partner in crime Caicedo. Simply head to do better with a chance in added time at the back post.
Pedro Neto – 5
Nowhere near as effective as he ought to have been playing up against an out-of-form Milos Kerkez. Careless in possession at times and struggled to create.
Joao Pedro – 5
Another absent Chelsea attacker. A rare off day for the new arrival, who has been a bright spark for the capital club since arriving in the summer.
Alejandero Garnacho – 7
Enjoyed his best 45 minutes in a Chelsea shirt during the first half, with the attacker constantly troubling his fullback. Tormented Conor Bradley throughout, forcing Arne Slot into a half-time change. Wasn’t able to replicate that in the second period, but it’s certainly a step in the right direction.
Substitutes:
Romeo Lavia – 6
Hasn’t played a lot of football lately and there might’ve been concerns among the Chelsea fans that he wouldn’t be able to match the intensity of the contest off the bench. No such fears manifested, with Belgian handling himself well.
Jorrel Hato – 6
Perhaps surprisingly didn’t get the call-up until the second Chelsea defender went down injured. Had the difficult task of defending against Hugo Ekitike’s fresh legs.
Jamie Gittens – 6
Blew hot and cold at times throughout his 20 or so minute showing. Forced a strong save from the opposition goalkeeper, but got caught in possession once or twice. Hasn’t properly got going since arriving from Borussia Dortmund.
Marc Guiu – 5
Occupied space at the tip of the Chelsea attack, but didn’t exactly make himself difficult to defend against.
Estevao – 8
Added a spark to a Chelsea attack that had fallen a little flat. Was one of the only players for the home side willing to take a risk whenever they found themselves in possession in the final third. It was no surprise the youngster found the winner after an inspired cameo off the bench.
