What a game it was between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. The evening kick-off in the Premier League brought plenty of fireworks, with the Blues running out 2-1 winners in stoppage time, in a game that felt like it could have gone either way.

For much of the game, it was a diligent performance by Enzo Maresca’s side. The West Londoners took the lead inside the first quarter of an hour, and what a strike it was. Moises Caicedo unleashed a thunderbolt from the edge of the Liverpool penalty area, which flew into the top left corner.

Liverpool did manage to get back into the game, which coincided with the introduction of Florian Wirtz at half-time. The Reds scored through Cody Gakpo, with the Dutch winger getting on the end of a lay-off from Alexander Isak, although whether the Swede meant it is another question.

The game became incredibly open in the final 20 minutes, and Chelsea, who hit the post in stoppage time, left it until the 97th minute to score. It was Estevao who bagged the winner, which caused a huge celebration across Stamford Bridge.

It was a fantastic way for the game to end for Chelsea, with Estevao saving the day off the bench.

Estevao’s cameo vs. Liverpool

Brazilian wonderkid Estevao has already left a huge impression during his short Chelsea career so far. The 18-year-old bagged his first goal for the club against Liverpool, adding to the assists he got away to West Ham United.

What a way to win the game it was, too. The former Palmerias star capped off a good team move, sliding in at the back post to put Marc Cucurella’s cross into the back of the net.

He showed excellent instinct and understanding despite his inexperience.

It was a brilliant contribution off the bench from the teenager, which former Blues striker Daniel Sturridge described as a “top drawer” effort. Aside from the goal, he made three touches in the opposition box and made six ball recoveries.

That is why Football London journalist Bobby Vincent gave Estevao an 8/10 for his night’s work. Like Sturridge, Vincent was full of praise for the 18-year-old, describing his stoppage-time strike as a “memorable” goal.

It was certainly a night to remember for Estevao, who saved the day for Chelsea and spared the blushes of one of his fellow attackers.

The Chelsea player who was saved by Estevao

On the whole, Chelsea’s win against Liverpool was a good performance. Estevao was one of the standouts, with the likes of Caicedo and Cucurella also putting in good shifts at Stamford Bridge.

Yet, there were a couple of players in that famous Blue shirt who struggled. Centre-forward Joao Pedro was one of those. After a fast start to life in West London, the Brazilian international has now failed to score in his last five games in all competitions.

The game against Liverpool was certainly a tough outing for Pedro.

He only managed 17 touches during the 75 minutes he was on the pitch, fewer than Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. The striker only had one touch in Liverpool’s box, and one shot, which was off target.

Minutes

74

Touches

17

Passes into final third

3

Touches in opposition box

1

Shots

1

Duels won

2/6

Vincent also seemed to agree with the sentiment that Pedro struggled against the Premier League champions. He gave the Blues number 20 a 5/10 for his evening’s work, and said he was ‘quiet’ overall.

Perhaps it is a concern for Maresca that Pedro is struggling to get into the game when Cole Palmer is not on the pitch. The pair have combined for two goals in seven matches so far, according to Transfermarkt.

Of course, the England international is the key creator in this Chelsea squad, and it was the case at times that it seemed Pedro could not get on the ball unless he was there linking things up.

The Brazilian has chipped in with goal involvements this season, without Palmer on the pitch. Yet, the Chelsea number 20 has already said that they look to “combine our ideas so that it works in the games.” Perhaps we are seeing the effect that Palmer not featuring in the Chelsea side can have on Pedro, with the rest of the side struggling to get him the ball.

It is certainly food for thought for Maresca, who will surely look to find a way to get Pedro more involved when Palmer is not on the pitch.