Here is a look at some of the key numbers and statistics behind Chelsea's much-needed 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon
Estevao Willian
Estevao Willian shone for Chelsea against Manchester United(Image: Chris Lee - Chelsea FC)
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Xabi Alonso has made it clear from the very start of the season: if a player is not playing regular minutes, they need to take their opportunity when presented.
In Estevao Willian's case, with the teenage Brazilian talent making his first Premier League start of the season in the 2-0 win against Manchester United, he did just that.
All of the pre-match talk from a Chelsea perspective had been about Estevao after he was an unused substitute in the Blues' penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool less than 72 hours prior. Alonso, though, while fielding countless questions relating to the 19-year-old, refused to give too much away.
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In a way, it was very much on brand from a typically guarded Alonso, who in his head the whole time knew that Estevao was going to start against Man United.
Estevao did not take his manager's faith for granted. Asked about Estevao's performance post-match, Alonso said: "You ask me, but sometimes I can't give you all the info [before a match]. We spoke after Tottenham and he knew that he was going to be playing today.
Xabi Alonso hugs Estevao Willian for his efforts in Chelsea's win over Manchester United
Xabi Alonso hugs Estevao Willian(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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"He has had the best response to show that he deserves more, that he was prepared and that's what you want from a football player, so I'm very happy for him.
"He deserved to enjoy his game, he had a good connection with the crowd. He was really close to scoring that goal. At the end he fought really hard, he was tired and it has been a good day for him."
Estevao was a constant threat to the United defence throughout his 87 minutes on the pitch. In that time, the Brazil international attempted more shots (six) than any other Chelsea player - and that total is also the joint-most, from a Blues point of view, in the Premier League since the start of the season.
Estevao Willian's shot map and key passes in Chelsea's win over Manchester United
Estevao Willian's shot map and key passes in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Manchester United(Image: Opta)
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While having Estevao back in the side certainly added another dynamic to Chelsea's attack, Pedro Neto suffered as a direct consequence. The Portugal international spent the majority of the game as the No.9 for the Blues but struggled to get too involved as the west Londoners saw off the Mancunians.
Neto managed only 35 touches throughout his 87 minutes on the pitch and didn't create a single chance. The 26-year-old did manage to get three shots away - two of them being on target - and recorded an xG of 0.42. In that sense, he was quite involved but Neto, being the player that he is, would have liked more of the ball.
Elsewhere, Cole Palmer's performance caused division amongst Chelsea supporters online. While some were pleased with the 24-year-old's display, others felt as if he was still a long way from his best. All that matters, though, is that Palmer scored and the Blues secured three points.
Cole Palmer celebrates
Cole Palmer scored his third Premier League goal of the season for Chelsea in their win over Manchester United(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
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The statistics back up those who enjoyed the England international's performance against his boyhood club. Palmer generated a game-high 1.01xG, created three chances, had 85 touches and completed 19 passes in the final third - more than any other Chelsea player.
Perhaps nobody in the infamous royal blue shirt performed better than Romeo Lavia, though. The Belgian midfielder produced perhaps his best performance since signing for Chelsea in August 2023.
Lavia was everywhere for the Blues. Alongside Moises Caicedo, Lavia helped dominate the midfield battle - and that proved key to winning the game. That much was emphasised by the opening goal of the afternoon at Stamford Bridge.
Romeo Lavia's heatmap in Chelsea's win over Manchester United on Saturday
Romeo Lavia's heatmap in Chelsea's win over Manchester United(Image: Opta)
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Chelsea's midfield duo smelt an opportunity to pounce on Bryan Mbeumo near the halfway line. The United attacker was far too casual, while Lavia and Caicedo were anything but, and they squeezed the Cameroonian to try and win the ball back.
Lavia then anticipated a loose second ball and made sure it was only ever going to be him who won it. That in turn set Morgan Rogers on his way and the Chelsea attacker produced some magic in the final third in what was a huge turning point on the afternoon.
Alonso, who has more than a soft spot for his central midfielders, was delighted with the 22-year-old's performance: "From a midfielder point of view, for me it was a top, top performance.
"He's done so many things right, he's always been connecting the defence with the attacking players, he's been able to switch the game, he's taken many right decisions, he's been very dynamic, competitive.
Romeo Lavia in action for Chelsea in their win over Manchester United
Romeo Lavia shone for Chelsea in their win over Manchester United(Image: Glyn Kirk/AFP)
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"So I think that not just this game, for the last two, three weeks he's been playing at a very good level and I'm very happy for him and today he deserves huge recognition for his performance."
It was by no means a perfect Chelsea display on Saturday and Alonso would have wanted loads more from his players in the first half especially. But the manager's half-time team talk did the business. He wanted his players to be more economical in possession, and more considered after a host of sloppy spells on the ball in the opening 45 minutes.
It worked. The red card helped, of course, but Chelsea were well on their way to three points before Lisandro Martinez started his nonsense.
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