**Estêvão Willian has given Xabi Alonso a major selection decision before Chelsea face Leeds United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.**
The Brazilian came off the bench during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Arsenal and almost rescued a point for the Blues with one of his first major attacking contributions.
David Raya needed an excellent fingertip save to deny Estêvão late on as Chelsea pushed desperately for an equaliser at the Emirates Stadium.
That cameo came after an even more influential performance in Chelsea’s previous Carabao Cup tie.
Estêvão started Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Luton Town in the second round and was voted **Player of the Match by supporters**.
Chelsea’s [official analysis of his performance against Luton](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/analysis-how-potm-estevao-provided-chelseas-spark?utm_source=chatgpt.com) showed just how influential he was.
The winger completed **four of his five attempted dribbles**, more successful dribbles than any other player on the pitch.
He also produced a match-high six crosses and created five chances, level with Cole Palmer for the most in the game.
Estêvão also played a role in both Chelsea goals.
His combination with Malo Gusto helped create the opening for Danny Welbeck before one of the Brazilian’s own efforts was deflected in for the second.
It was exactly the sort of performance Alonso will want from players given opportunities during Chelsea’s cup campaign.
Estêvão had to wait until the 81st minute for his opportunity against Arsenal.
Pedro Neto had started on the right as Alonso selected an experienced attack for one of Chelsea’s most difficult Premier League fixtures.
Estêvão still managed to make himself noticeable.
With Chelsea chasing the game, he cut inside from the right and curled an effort towards the top corner.
Raya stretched to tip it over.
Chelsea’s [official Arsenal match report](https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/match-report-arsenal-2-1-chelsea-26-27?utm_source=chatgpt.com) described Estêvão as adding unpredictability to the attack as the Blues pinned Arsenal back late on.
He could now benefit from the quick turnaround.
Chelsea host Leeds at Stamford Bridge on **Wednesday 9 September at 8pm**, only three days after the demanding trip to Arsenal.
Rotation therefore looks likely.
Alonso does not need to make wholesale changes simply because Chelsea are playing in the Carabao Cup.
Leeds represent stronger opposition than Luton and Chelsea will want an immediate response following their first defeat of the season.
But Estêvão has already shown he can become part of that response rather than merely being used to rest another player.
His Luton performance demonstrated what he can do from the start.
His Arsenal cameo demonstrated that he can also threaten elite Premier League opposition.
Pedro Neto has made a strong start to the season and remains an important part of Alonso’s preferred side.
Wednesday does, however, provide an obvious opportunity to give Estêvão another significant run of minutes.
After impressing in the previous round and almost changing the game at the Emirates, the Brazilian has made the decision harder for his manager.