Marc Cucurella Admits Chelsea Targeted Liverpool’s Weak Spot in Dramatic Stamford Bridge Win
Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella has revealed that his team intentionally focused on exploiting a specific area of Liverpool’s setup during their thrilling 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Enzo Maresca’s side secured all three points thanks to a stoppage-time winner, condemning the Reds to their third consecutive defeat.
The Blues struck early through Moises Caicedo, whose stunning 14th-minute drive left Giorgi Mamardashvili with no chance. Liverpool responded after the break, with Cody Gakpo converting from Alexander Isak’s assist just past the hour mark.
But in the dying seconds, Enzo Fernández picked out Cucurella, who whipped in a precise cross for 18-year-old Brazilian prodigy Estevão to tap home ahead of Andrew Robertson, sealing a dramatic victory for Chelsea.
The celebrations were briefly interrupted when Maresca received a second yellow card for his animated touchline celebration. Nevertheless, the result lifted Chelsea to sixth place after seven matches, while Liverpool stayed second — one point behind Arsenal, who beat West Ham 2–0 earlier in the day.
After the match, Cucurella admitted that Chelsea’s tactical plan included targeting Liverpool’s right-hand side, where Mohamed Salah and Conor Bradley operate.
“We know Salah is always dangerous on the counterattack, so we trained specifically for that,” Cucurella told Sky Sports.
“The manager showed us that space would open up on that side. Even in the last minute, we kept pushing — Enzo gave me the ball, and I crossed for Estevão.
We deserved this win. The first half was very good, though we dropped a bit in the second. But after a tough few weeks, this was a big result for us.”
Liverpool’s right flank has indeed been a source of concern this season. Conor Bradley was substituted at half-time for the second game in a row, while new signing Jeremie Frimpong has yet to secure a consistent starting spot.
Meanwhile, Salah continues to search for top form, with only two goals in seven league matches so far.
Liverpool will aim to bounce back after the international break when they host Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday, October 19.
