It felt like a huge one for Chelsea. Beating Liverpool at any point is just that, but this one felt even more significant.
It almost felt like lift off in the Todd Boehly x Clearlake Capital era. That might sound mad at first, but these sort of games have passed Chelsea by since the club was bought in May 2022.
The Blues went toe-to-toe with Liverpool, the champions who spent close to £450million on upgrading their squad, and landed the final punch. In the Boehly x Clearlake era, Chelsea had never beaten the reigning Premier League champions in what is now their fourth season. That has all changed now.
Yes, Liverpool currently look out of sorts, but so did Chelsea going into the game. A depleted Blues side did what was needed against the Reds – and, of course, they did so in the most dramatic fashion.
Maresca loses it
Enzo Maresca has fielded questions in recent weeks about whether or not there is a discipline problem at Chelsea within his young squad. Ironically, it was the Blues head coach that was sent off on Saturday evening.
But who can blame him? Perhaps his first yellow card was a bit silly, with Maresca being booked for dissent after Alejandro Garnacho was denied a penalty. It did not look like a penalty either, which makes it even sillier.
His second yellow, however, is one of those ‘in the moment’ scenarios where all is forgiven. A 95th-minute winning goal against the champions, who wouldn’t run down the touchline? Fair enough, Enzo.
It was a bit bizarre, albeit nice, to hear from Willy Caballero post-match. As per FA rules, a manager who is sent off is not allowed to conduct his usual post-match media duties. Caballero, his assistant, was sent out instead.
Estevao magic
It is difficult to put into words the impact Estevao Willian had when he entered the pitch on 74 minutes. At the time, it seemed as if Maresca had waited too late to bring the Brazilian on.
Chelsea are aware of the generational talent they have on their hands. The club knew that when they agreed a deal with Palmeiras in May 2024. There was such excitement from supporters to see Estevao in a Chelsea shirt but from the club’s point of view, they knew they would have to somewhat protect the teenager.
And they have done that to an extent. The 18-year-old winger has only started four of Chelsea’s seven Premier League games so far this season. At this point, it is hard to see what more he can do to become a permanent fixture in the side.
Maresca likes to – and needs to – rotate his side so he won’t always be there but Estevao has become, already, one of Chelsea’s most dangerous attackers.
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Even before his match-winning goal, Estevao was shining at Stamford Bridge. His dribbling is phenomenal and it appears so difficult for the opposition to even get close to dispossessing him.
Maresca will be equally as delighted with the Brazil international’s defensive work as well. Of course with fresh, 18-year-old legs, you would expect him to be buzzing around the pitch but the discipline he showcased to help his side was crucial.
Cole Palmer, who watched on from the side as he recovers from a groin injury, ran up to Estevao post-match and gave him a big hug. Palmer knew the significance of that goal for Chelsea’s season.
Break comes at a good time
The majority of Chelsea’s players will be jetting off around the world now for the second international break of the season. For the Blues, this comes at a good time.
Maresca was missing a total of seven players through injuries on Saturday and is hopeful at least half of them will be back once the break is over.
Levi Colwill, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo are long-term absentees and not expected back anytime soon, but Wesley Fofana is due back after the two-week break after he followed the protocol when it comes to concussion.
Chelsea will also be hoping Palmer, Tosin Adarabioyo and Andrey Santos will return for when the Blues travel to Nottingham Forest on October 18.
