The Premier League delivered another twist on Saturday as Chelsea clinched a 2-1 victory over champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, thanks to Estevao's stunning 95th-minute winner. It was a match that had everything—tense moments, defensive lapses, and a crowd roaring into the night. Chelsea, desperate for points before the international break, finally broke through after a gritty performance, while Liverpool's title defense hit a snag with this third straight loss.
Cole Palmer's absence loomed large for the Blues. The star forward, sidelined by injury, watched from the stands as his team adapted without him. Enzo Maresca made seven changes to the lineup, bringing in fresh legs like Andrey Santos and Trevoh Chalobah, who steadied the backline amid Liverpool's pressure. Chelsea lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Sanchez in goal, Gusto, Chalobah, Colwill, and Cucurella across the defense; Caicedo and Enzo anchoring midfield; with Madueke, Nkunku, and Estevao supporting Jackson up top. It wasn't seamless, but it worked when it mattered.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot, started strong with their predicted 4-3-3: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz. However, they couldn't convert chances, and fatigue showed late. Predictions beforehand favored a draw or narrow Liverpool win, given Chelsea's patchy form, but Maresca's side defied the odds. Indeed, the result piles pressure on Slot, as Arsenal now lead the table by a point.
For those who missed it, the game aired live on Sky Sports in the UK, with streaming options via NOW TV or the app—perfect for catching up on highlights. Liverpool's next fixture is against Manchester United midweek, while Chelsea faces Tottenham. Moreover, the Reds have a packed schedule, including Champions League ties that could stretch their squad thin.
However, this upset raises questions about Liverpool's resilience so early in the campaign. As both clubs look ahead, one wonders how they'll bounce back from such a rollercoaster encounter.