Premier League thriller leaves Liverpool reeling after late Estevao strike
Good heavens, what a multitude of a match for Liverpool. At Stamford Bridge, underneath the nippiness October lights, the reigning Premier League champions contrived to lose one more sport in essentially the most Liverpool manner attainable, on the final attainable second. A Ninety fifth-minute winner from Chelsea’s teenage sparkplug Estevao left the Reds floored, their supporters groaning and their title defence wanting distinctly wobbly.
Commercial
After per week that noticed them stumble towards Crystal Palace and Galatasaray, Arne Slot’s males wanted one thing bracing, one thing to regular the ship. As a substitute, they walked headlong right into a blue storm and got here away with their third straight defeat.
Picture: IMAGO
Early chaos and a contact of Caicedo class
Proper from the off, it appeared ominous. Alisson Becker, nursing a hamstring damage, was changed by Giorgi Mamardashvili for his Premier League debut, and the Georgian had an introduction he is not going to neglect. Fourteen minutes in, Moises Caicedo, bear in mind him, the one Liverpool somewhat fancied however couldn’t signal, unleashed an absolute howitzer. It sailed into the highest nook like a heat-seeking missile. Mamardashvili bought a fingertip to it, but it surely was by no means sufficient.
Commercial
That set the tone. Liverpool have been rattled, their midfield resembling a sieve, and Alexis Mac Allister may solely look on as his former Brighton teammate ran rings round him. Tempers frayed. Conor Bradley lunged in on Marc Cucurella and went straight into the e book, whereas Enzo Maresca’s animated antics on the touchline earned him one as properly.
Then got here the VAR pantomime: Garnacho down within the field, Chelsea followers baying for justice, referee standing agency. No penalty, no drama, play on. However by half-time, Liverpool have been fortunate to not be two down.
Wirtz breathes life into limp Liverpool
Slot clearly determined sufficient was sufficient. On got here Florian Wirtz after the break, and instantly there was a pulse. Inside seconds, the younger German conjured a flick of pure mischief to ship Mohamed Salah by way of on aim. Sadly, Salah’s radar appeared to have gone on vacation. Large. Once more.
Commercial
Nonetheless, Liverpool started to discover a rhythm. Salah took one other swing after a tidy go from Mac Allister, however that too went begging. Substitutions adopted thick and quick. Robertson and Curtis Jones got here on, Isak trudged off, and Gravenberch discovered himself moonlighting as a centre-back.
In the end, one thing clicked. Alexander Isak cushioned the ball fantastically, and Cody Gakpo pounced like a person possessed, smashing it dwelling from shut vary. One-one. Reduction. Hope. The crimson finish of Stamford Bridge got here alive.
Picture: IMAGO
Late drama, merciless ending
After which, after all, got here the twist. Liverpool pushed for a winner, Salah saved attempting, however nothing fell their manner. Szoboszlai tugged a shirt and was booked, Slot barked from the sidelines and joined him within the referee’s e book. The supervisor appeared exasperated, muttering into the evening air.
Commercial
Because the clock ticked into damage time, Slot sought to close up store. Wataru Endo got here on to regular issues. However soccer, that the majority capricious of video games, had different concepts. Estevao, a reputation you’ll be listening to much more of, wriggled free within the Liverpool field and buried a low shot within the Ninety fifth minute. Cue pandemonium. Stamford Bridge roared as in the event that they’d simply received the league.
“Pay attention, we have now entered some sort of reverse land, the place our luck with final minute targets has fully reversed, and now it’s the opposite staff who’s successful with them.” You’ll be able to’t argue with that sentiment. The once-lucky Reds now discover themselves cursed by their very own trademark drama.
Actuality verify for the champions
Three consecutive losses. A leaky defence. A misfiring assault. And a supervisor instantly wanting very mortal. Liverpool have gone from imperious champions to a facet struggling for cohesion and confidence. The Premier League desk nonetheless makes for first rate studying, however momentum, that important invisible foreign money of soccer, has abandoned them.
Commercial
Chelsea, in the meantime, are on the up. Enzo Maresca’s blueprint is beginning to take form. Caicedo appeared commanding, Estevao appeared electrical, and the Stamford Bridge crowd left with spring of their step and one thing they haven’t had for some time, perception.
Liverpool, although, want a reset. The worldwide break can’t come quickly sufficient. Slot’s tactical bravery has impressed since he arrived, however now comes the true check of his mettle. The champions should rediscover the verve and metal that carried them to glory final season, or danger watching the Premier League crown drift away earlier than Christmas.
For now, although, it’s one other evening to neglect. Chelsea march on, Liverpool stagger, and the Premier League stays gloriously unpredictable.