Chelsea returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 win over Liverpool as substitute Estevao Willian netted a late stoppage goal for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca's men suffered bitter defeats against Manchester United and Brighton in their last two Premier League fixtures, but they bounced back with a 1-0 win over Benfica in their midweek Champions League fixture.
They carried the momentum at home against Liverpool as Moise Caicedo had set the tone for the hosts with a stunning first half strike. While Liverpool equalized through Cody Gakpo's goal, it was a late stoppage time strike from substitute Estevao which handed Chelsea all three points.
This was the first Cheslea goal for the 18-year-old Brazilian sensation and after the win, he was delighted with his contribution and despite his limited English, he spoke with great enthusiasm.
"Oh wow," he said. "I'm just so, so happy," Estevao told Chelsea TV after the match on Saturday.
"I’m grateful to God, to my family, to all my team-mates, to the coaching staff and to everyone else at the club who has helped me with my football here.
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"It’s an amazing feeling to score my first Premier League goal and in such a big game, I’m just so happy."
What did Estevao say about Maresca's encouraging words before the winner?
After Gakpo's goal, it felt like Arne Slot was happy with a draw as his only changes were Hugo Ekitike replacing Alexander Isak and Wataru Endo replacing Alexis Mac Allister.
Whereas Maresca subbed in players like Jamie Gittens, Estevao and Marc Guiu as he wanted his players to push for the winner.
Eventually, the Italian's brave strategy paid off as Estevao found the winner and the teenager credited his goal to Maresca.
"I feel great right now and it’s so good that the manager has so much confidence in me,’ added the teenager.
"When I went on, he told me to just play my own game and to try and make an impact. He told me to try and score or create a goal and thankfully I managed to do that.
"I’m so happy for him and for all the belief that the manager, Enzo Maresca, has in me."
Estevao joined Chelsea this summer following his exceptional performances for his native Brazilian outfit Palmeiras.
The Blues paid €61m ($71.6m) estimated transfer fee for the teenage sensation and he has shown enough promise in limited opportunities that he has received this season.
This goal will hopefully give him more motivation and confidence heading into future games for the Blues as he could be a potent option for Maresca in attack.
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