Late heartbreak struck Liverpool for the second week running as Chelsea snatched a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with teenage substitute Estevao scoring deep into stoppage time.
The result piles pressure on Liverpool after last weekend’s 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace when Eddie Nketiah struck in the 97th minute. This time the damage was inflicted by Chelsea’s 17-year-old sensation who swept home from close range in the 95th minute to seal a dramatic victory for Mauricio Pochettino’s injury-hit side.
Chelsea, missing Cole Palmer and several key defenders, took the lead in the 14th minute through Moises Caicedo’s thunderous drive which left Liverpool’s new goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili rooted to the spot.
Liverpool threatened before the break when Alejandro Garnacho struck the post and saw a penalty appeal waved away, but the visitors drew level in the second half. Cody Gakpo bundled home after smart play from Alexander Isak, giving the Reds hope of salvaging a point.
That optimism vanished in stoppage time. Enzo Fernandez saw a header crash off the woodwork before threading a precise ball to Marc Cucurella, whose low cross was turned in by Estevao to spark wild celebrations among the home fans.
The defeat leaves Liverpool slipping to second in the Premier League table as their defensive lapses continue to cost them. For Chelsea, the victory is a statement of resilience amid an injury crisis and a coming-of-age moment for their Brazilian prodigy.
