Chelsea 2โ1 Liverpool: Six Talking Points as Injury Chaos, Controversy, and a Last-Minute Winner Rock Stamford Bridge
3. Arne Slotโs Tactical Overhaul
To be fair, it couldโve been any of Liverpoolโs outfielders making way โ such was the teamโs 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 Konatรฉ. The rapid triple switch underlined Slotโs frustration โ and his determination to regain control of a match that seemed to be slipping away.
4. Chelseaโs Centre-Back Crisis Deepens
Chelseaโs 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 Marescaโs options were already stretched thin.
Then came another setback. Benoรฎt 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 Liverpoolโs equaliser and couldnโt continue, prompting Jorrel Hatoโs introduction. Chelsea, already threadbare at the back, were left clinging on with a makeshift defence in the closing stages.
5. Alexander Isak โ Genius or Fortune?
Alexander Isakโs performance was quiet for much of the evening, but his involvement in Liverpoolโs equaliser was crucial โ whether or not he meant it.
The ยฃ125 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 1โ1.
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 โ Liverpoolโs 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 Fernรกndezโs clever through ball released Marc Cucurella down the left, and the Spaniard drilled a low cross across the face of goal.
Teenage sensation Estรชvรฃo darted into the box, beating Andy Robertson to the far post and tucking home the winner to seal a dramatic 2โ1 victory for the Blues.
The celebrations were wild โ 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 Chelseaโs joy as their young star delivered another unforgettable moment in front.
