Estevao’s stoppage-time winner earns Chelsea 2-1 victory over Liverpool

Estevao Willian struck deep into stoppage time to give Chelsea a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, condemning the Premier League champions to their third successive defeat.

Chelsea’s winning goal, greeted with wild celebrations that saw coach Enzo Maresca sent off, was well deserved but marked another bitter setback for Arne Slot’s struggling side.

Moises Caicedo opened the scoring for the hosts in the 14th minute with a superb 20-yard strike past Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who stood in for the injured Alisson Becker.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot left £116 million summer signing Florian Wirtz on the bench following defeats to Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, but introduced him at the start of the second half in search of inspiration.

Chelsea maintained control for much of the match, but Liverpool drew level in the 62nd minute when Cody Gakpo reacted quickest in the six-yard box to convert after Alexander Isak had flicked on Dominik Szoboszlai’s cross.

Mamardashvili made two crucial saves late on to deny substitutes Estevao and Jamie Gittens, while Enzo Fernandez missed a gilt-edged chance in stoppage time, heading against the outside of the post.

Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Brazilian teenager Estevao pounced in the dying seconds, stealing in front of Andrew Robertson to turn Marc Cucurella’s cross into the net.

The result leaves Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, one point ahead of Liverpool, after the Gunners’ victory over West Ham United earlier on Saturday.