The Premier League delivered another twist on Saturday as Chelsea clinched a dramatic 2-1 victory over champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Estevao's stunning 95th-minute strike sealed the points, leaving Arne Slot's side stunned and facing questions about their title defense just weeks into the season. It was a match that swung wildly, with Chelsea's resilience shining through despite the absence of their talismanic forward Cole Palmer.
Palmer, sidelined by an injury picked up in training, watched from the stands as his teammates battled without him. His absence was felt early, with Chelsea struggling to find their rhythm against a Liverpool press that looked sharp but ultimately faltered. Enzo Maresca opted for a reshuffled lineup, bringing in fresh faces like Andrey Santos in midfield and relying on Nicolas Jackson up top. Liverpool, meanwhile, fielded a strong side with Mohamed Salah pulling strings, but defensive lapses proved costly—yet again.
Pre-match predictions had leaned towards a Liverpool win, with many pundits citing their depth and recent form. Sports outlets buzzed with talk of a 1-2 scoreline favoring the Reds, but Chelsea's counter-attacking bite turned the script. The Blues took the lead through a quick break, only for Liverpool to equalize just before halftime. That second-half push from the visitors? It evaporated in those final moments. Indeed, Chelsea's win catapults them up the table, while Liverpool now sit precariously, their mini-crisis deepening after three straight losses.
For those who missed it, the game aired live on Sky Sports, starting coverage at 5 p.m. UK time ahead of the 5:30 p.m. kickoff. Replays and highlights are available on the same channels or streaming via NOW TV passes. Looking ahead, Liverpool's fixtures pile up—next up is a tricky trip to Manchester United midweek, testing Slot's resolve further. Chelsea, buoyed, host Tottenham in a London derby that could define their top-five push.
However, with Palmer's recovery timeline unclear, Maresca faces tough calls. Moreover, this result underscores the Premier League's unpredictability, where one late goal can shift entire narratives. As both clubs regroup, one wonders how these early stumbles might echo through the long haul ahead.