Liverpool Suffer Third Straight Defeat as Estevão Willian’s Late Winner Seals Victory for Chelsea

Liverpool’s faltering run of form continued as Estevão Willian struck in stoppage time to hand Chelsea a dramatic 2–1 victory at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, condemning the reigning Premier League champions to their third successive defeat.

Arne Slot’s side appeared to have salvaged a point when Cody Gakpo levelled midway through the second half, cancelling out Moises Caicedo’s stunning first-half opener. However, Estevão’s close-range finish in the dying seconds dealt Liverpool another crushing blow.

Having started the campaign in imperious fashion with seven consecutive wins across all competitions, including five in the league, the Reds have now suffered a sharp dip with surprise defeats to Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea within the space of two weeks.

Last weekend’s late loss to Palace was a painful setback — and this latest defeat, again settled in the closing moments, further exposed Liverpool’s lack of cohesion despite a £400 million summer outlay. Slot’s expensively rebuilt squad looked short of rhythm and resilience once more.

The result leaves Liverpool second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Arsenal, who claimed victory over West Ham earlier in the day.

“Last season we lost here as well. Stamford Bridge is always a tough place to come,” said Slot. “We were very close to a result — it came down to fine margins. Against Galatasaray we had a one-v-one before conceding a penalty; at Palace we lost in stoppage time; and today, they scored late on again. These small margins aren’t falling our way right now. We just have to work harder to control our destiny.”

For Chelsea, the win lifts them to sixth place, easing pressure on manager Enzo Maresca, who was staring at a potential third consecutive league defeat before Estevão’s decisive intervention.

Caicedo’s Stunner and Estevão’s Late Heroics

The Blues seized the initiative in the 14th minute when Liverpool surrendered possession cheaply in midfield. Caicedo pounced on the loose ball, glided forward as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté retreated, and unleashed a thunderous drive into the top corner from 20 yards — a goal that electrified the Bridge.

Liverpool looked rattled. Their passing was disjointed, and Alejandro Garnacho almost doubled Chelsea’s lead with a curling effort that grazed the post. Garnacho was later denied what appeared to be a strong penalty shout when Dominik Szoboszlai shoved him to the turf, sparking heated protests from Maresca, who was booked for dissent after clashing with Liverpool’s goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero.

At the other end, Alexander Isak endured a frustrating evening, heading over from close range, while Mohamed Salah squandered a golden chance, blasting wide after Florian Wirtz’s clever setup.

Liverpool’s first effort on target came six minutes into the second half, when Ryan Gravenberch’s long-range attempt was comfortably saved by Robert Sánchez. Salah’s errant finishing continued as he dragged another chance off target, extending his goalless streak.

The visitors finally found a breakthrough in the 63rd minute. Given space by Marc Cucurella, Szoboszlai delivered an inviting cross that Isak flicked on for Gakpo, who poked home from close range to end an eight-game goal drought.

Despite losing defenders Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile to injuries, Chelsea rallied late. Giorgi Mamardashvili kept Liverpool in it with fine saves from Jamie Gittens and Estevão, before Enzo Fernández’s header cannoned off the post.

Their persistence paid off in stoppage time when Cucurella whipped in a teasing cross and Estevão stretched to turn the ball in from a tight angle, sparking wild celebrations. Maresca sprinted down the touchline to celebrate with his players, earning a red card for his exuberance.

As Stamford Bridge roared in delight, Slot cut a desolate figure on the touchline — the reality of Liverpool’s mounting troubles sinking in.