It was a match that carried enormous weight for Chelsea. Securing a victory against Liverpool is always noteworthy, but this encounter felt particularly momentous, possibly signalling the true commencement of the Todd Boehly x Clearlake Capital era at the club. This might initially sound far-fetched, as encounters of such magnitude had often slipped through Chelsea’s grasp since the club’s acquisition in May 2022.
The Blues went toe-to-toe with Liverpool, a side bolstered by nearly £450 million worth of new talent, delivering the decisive blow in the contest. Until now, Chelsea have been unable to overcome the reigning Premier League champions under the Boehly x Clearlake reign, now entering its fourth season. That narrative has changed. Admittedly, Liverpool have appeared off-kilter this season, but Chelsea were not exactly in peak form leading up to the clash. Despite being depleted, the Blues found what was required against the Reds – and they did so with incredible drama.
Questions have emerged in recent weeks about potential disciplinary issues within Chelsea’s youthful squad under manager Enzo Maresca. Ironically, it was Maresca himself who saw red on Saturday evening. Yet, perhaps that suspension was understandable. His first yellow card, issued for dissent following a penalty appeal by Alejandro Garnacho that was rightly denied, might have been avoidable. His second yellow card, however, came in the throes of passion – a ‘heat of the moment’ occurrence that many would forgive. After all, who wouldn’t dash down the touchline following a 95th-minute winner against the champions? Fair play, Enzo.
Willy Caballero stepped into the spotlight post-match, which was an interesting sight. According to FA regulations, a manager who is dismissed cannot fulfil normal post-match media duties, so Caballero, his assistant, took over.
It’s rather challenging to articulate the profound impact Estevao Willian had after being introduced in the 74th minute. At first, Maresca’s decision to bring the Brazilian on seemed belated. It’s common knowledge at Chelsea that they have a generational prodigy on their hands, an awareness established when they secured his services from Palmeiras in May 2024. The supporters have been eagerly anticipating seeing Estevao in Chelsea colours, yet the club has been cautious in nurturing the teenager.
At 18, Estevao has only started in four of Chelsea’s seven Premier League fixtures this season. Still, his performances spark the question of what else he must do to claim a regular starting position. Maresca’s strategy involves squad rotation, meaning Estevao may not always start, yet he has quickly emerged as one of Chelsea’s most potent attacking threats.
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