Chelsea 2–1 Liverpool: Six Talking Points as Injury Chaos, Controversy, and a Last-Minute Winner Rock Stamford Bridge
3. Arne Slot’s Tactical Overhaul
To be fair, it could’ve been any of Liverpool’s outfielders making way — such was the team’s lack of rhythm in the first half. But it was Conor Bradley who paid the price, substituted for Florian Wirtz as Dominik Szoboszlai dropped into an improvised right-back role. The young full-back endured a difficult 45 minutes, losing more duels (five) than any other player on the pitch.
Just nine minutes into the second half, Arne Slot acted again. Andy Robertson replaced the struggling Milos Kerkez, while Curtis Jones came on for Ibrahima Konaté. The rapid triple switch underlined Slot’s frustration — and his determination to regain control of a match that seemed to be slipping away.
4. Chelsea’s Centre-Back Crisis Deepens
Chelsea’s injury woes in defence went from bad to worse. With Levi Colwill still sidelined, Tosin Adarabioyo out injured, Wesley Fofana recovering from concussion, and Trevoh Chalobah suspended, Enzo Maresca’s options were already stretched thin.
Then came another setback. Benoît Badiashile, who had been solid until that point, was forced off just after the hour mark, making way for Romeo Lavia as Reece James dropped into central defence.
Minutes later, the nightmare deepened. Youngster Josh Acheampong went down in clear discomfort shortly after Liverpool’s equaliser and couldn’t continue, prompting Jorrel Hato’s introduction. Chelsea, already threadbare at the back, were left clinging on with a makeshift defence in the closing stages.
5. Alexander Isak — Genius or Fortune?
Alexander Isak’s performance was quiet for much of the evening, but his involvement in Liverpool’s equaliser was crucial — whether or not he meant it.
The £125 million striker cushioned a lofted ball from Szoboszlai into the box, and it dropped perfectly into the path of Cody Gakpo, who finished from close range to make it 1–1.
Replays were inconclusive as to whether Isak intentionally set up the chance or simply miscontrolled the pass, but either way, Liverpool were level.
Moments later, Mohamed Salah had the chance to complete the comeback, only to blaze his effort over the bar — Liverpool’s best opportunity to snatch victory before Chelsea regained the upper hand.
6. The Chelsea Dagger
As the clock ticked into the sixth minute of stoppage time, Stamford Bridge erupted. Enzo Fernández’s clever through ball released Marc Cucurella down the left, and the Spaniard drilled a low cross across the face of goal.
Teenage sensation Estêvão darted into the box, beating Andy Robertson to the far post and tucking home the winner to seal a dramatic 2–1 victory for the Blues.
The celebrations were wild — players, fans, and staff all lost in the moment. Not everyone realised amid the chaos that manager Enzo Maresca had been shown a red card for sprinting down the touchline to celebrate. But by then, nothing could dampen Chelsea’s joy as their young star delivered another unforgettable moment in front.
