Estevao impressed for Chelsea in the 2-0 win over Manchester United
Cole Palmer with Estevao
Cole Palmer with Estevao
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Cole Palmer praised the patience of Estevao after the Brazilian’s starring role in Chelsea’s win against Manchester United.
It was the 19-year-old’s first Premier League start of the season and he was instrumental as Xabi Alonso’s side won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to climb into the top four.
Estevao’s participation had been a topic of great debate after he was left on the bench during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup exit to Liverpool. He had played only 172 minutes this season prior to Saturday’s game.
After the game at Anfield, Alonso suggested that the winger was still acclimatising to the physicality of English football.
Estevao has found his way into the side blocked by a favoured front three of Morgan Rogers, Palmer and Joao Pedro, though even when players have been unavailable, Alonso has still preferred other options over the Brazilian.
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Injury to Pedro opened the door for a first start on Saturday and it was a chance Estevao readily took, injecting a dynamism into Chelsea’s attack that had been missing from their last two performances.
Things could have been even better against United but he was denied a first goal of the campaign in the second half by a fractional offside call.
“He needed to be patient for his moment and he got his moment today,” said Palmer, whose second-half penalty sealed victory for the home side.
“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.”
United dominated the first half, but Chelsea were finally brought to life through a moment of individual brilliance.
Rogers had the entire United defence in front of him when collecting the ball inside the centre circle but in a flash he had driven his way through all of them, with Lisandro Martinez’s futile grasps at the forward’s shirt insufficient to prevent him lifting a delightful finish past Senne Lammens.
It was a fine, driving run through the heart of Michael Carrick’s defence capped by a lovely chip, though the ease with which United parted and allowed Rogers through was cause for alarm.
Palmer preferred to point to his teammate’s initiative and creativity,
“That’s what he does, you know,” he said. “He gets the ball between the lines and when he drives he makes things happen. He went all the way himself and it was a great finish.”
The win gave momentum back to Alonso’s side after they were beaten by Tottenham in their last league outing and knocked out of the Carabao Cup.
“It was very important to get back to winning ways, obviously, after the last defeat,” said Palmer.
“I just think we were more intense. The chances they had were from us losing the ball, so we tried to play a bit smarter, a bit sharper and not losing the ball as easily, and I think it helped.”
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