A dream Premier League start for Estevao under Xabi Alonso lasted 86 minutes as Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge. The 19-year-old Brazilian was easily the most threatening attacker on the pitch. He finished the game with six shots, 12 touches in the United box (both match highs), created three chances and made eight crosses.
Most of his involvement came down Chelsea’s right, where he racked up 62 touches. He also scored twice, in the 15th and 71st minutes, both of which went into the net but were offside. At half-time, United were leading in expected goals 1.01 to 0.28, showing that they were playing well. However, by full time it was 2.62 to Chelsea and 1.17 to United. This was partly due to Estevao’s constant running at Diogo Dalot, though Chelsea’s second-half surge also came with a man advantage as Lisandro Martinez was sent off.
In the build-up to the game, Estevao had only played 47 minutes in the Premier League, coming on as a sub in 6 games. His only two starts came in the Carabao Cup, against League One side Luton Town in August and Leeds United in the next round. He then sat on the bench for the entire game against Liverpool as Chelsea were knocked out of the competition on penalties. This led to an outcry from supporters and questions about loaning him out in January.
But Chelsea fans don’t want him loaned out; we want him playing at Stamford Bridge. He can stretch defences constantly and create so many problems for our opponents.
Cole Palmer Speaks About Estevao
The best praise came from Cole Palmer, who scored his 50th Premier League goal for Chelsea. In his post-match interview he also spoke about Estevao. Palmer explained that he was feeding Estevao and admitted that he was looking for him on every touch. Asked about Estevao’s display, he told Chelsea’s official site:
“He needed to be patient for his moment and he got his moment today. You could see in moments he was very good. He was unlucky with the offside; I think it was literally a centimetre. But we know the talent he’s got and we all love him. So hopefully he can continue like that.”
Palmer is asking for consistency, and so are we. Alonso hasn’t given Estevao that, and I expect it will change after his performance against Manchester United.