Chelsea fans will be talking about this one for a long time. On a dramatic night at Stamford Bridge, 18-year-old wonderkid Estevao Willian announced himself to the Premier League with a stoppage-time winner that sank Liverpool and sent the Blues into wild celebrations.
It was Chelsea’s best moment of the season so far — and perhaps the official arrival of their next superstar.
Moises Caicedo set the tone early, smashing in a stunning 20-yard strike after just 14 minutes. The Ecuadorian midfielder — who was once close to joining Liverpool — showed once again why Chelsea splashed £115m on him, dominating both ends of the pitch and nearly doubling his tally with another long-range effort late on.
Arne Slot’s side, desperate to bounce back after defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, found a lifeline in the 62nd minute. Cody Gakpo pounced in the box after smart link-up play, giving Liverpool hope of salvaging something.
But despite flashes from Szoboszlai and Alexander Isak, the champions looked nothing like their dominant selves from last season. Mohamed Salah, restored to the starting XI, continued his frustrating run, missing chances he would normally bury with ease.
Just when it looked like both sides would settle for a point, Stamford Bridge erupted. Deep into stoppage time, Estevao ghosted in front of Andrew Robertson and coolly finished Marc Cucurella’s cross.
The goal was pure drama. The teenager’s composure, timing, and flair were a reminder of why he’s so highly regarded in Brazil, where he’s already been compared to Neymar. His first Chelsea goal couldn’t have come at a better moment.
Enzo Maresca wasn’t afraid to throw on teenagers, with Estevao, Marc Guiu, and Jamie Gittens all making an impact. The bold move paid off — but injuries to Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile mean Chelsea are now down six centre-backs. Squad depth will be tested further in coming weeks.
For Liverpool, it’s another painful late defeat — echoing their collapse at Crystal Palace. The champions look vulnerable, short on sharpness, and in desperate need of regrouping over the international break.
Slot’s men are still in the title race, but Arsenal now sit top of the table after beating West Ham earlier in the day.
On a night filled with storylines, one image will stick: Estevao sprinting to the corner flag, Chelsea fans in full roar, and Liverpool players slumped in disbelief.
The teenager’s winner may just mark the beginning of a new Stamford Bridge era — and with Caicedo running the midfield, Chelsea suddenly look like a team with both energy and star power.
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