Declan Rice of Arsenal closes down Estevao of Chelsea
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal had another weekend where they could celebrate after beating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield.
Declan Rice put in another top-class performance as he helped Mikel Arteta’s side to win all three points and keep a clean sheet. Chelsea did not have a bad weekend either.
The Blues beat Manchester United 2-0 after goals from Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, and Theo Walcott has actually chosen someone from Xabi Alonso’s team as his player of the week instead of Rice.
What is Chelsea's best XI when everyone is fit? Here is our team! – What do you think?
Neto gotta be in for a shout surely?
Shuffle Estevao and Neto equally Lacroix besides Colwill at the center Shuffle Acheampong with James and Lacroix Henderson shuffles with Lavia Barco shuffles with Caicedo
I don't think anyone would question the midfield or forwards based on what we have seen so far this season, but if Estevao does not deliver or track back then Neto gets in. Defence is the main issue and Josh has to play IMO. My doubt is Reece because of his ftness
Theo Walcott names Estevao Willian as his player of the week
While Walcott was impressed with Rice, Estevao Willian was his “standout player” in gameweek 9. Estevao was making his first start in the Premier League this season and did not disappoint.
Speaking in a video uploaded on his official TikTok account, the former Arsenal and England star said: “The standout player, I might have gone for Declan Rice because seeing him perform the way he did against Liverpool was incredible up close.
“However, I’m going to go for Estevao at Chelsea, and the reason why I’m going for him is because he was so patient, and a lot of Chelsea fans have been wanting him to play. Two goals disallowed, of course, but not just that, his whole performance was outstanding from start to finish. So well done you.”
READ MORE:Chelsea predicted XI vs Sunderland: Estevao Willian keeps his place as £16m summer signing returns
Alonso also enjoyed Estevao’s display, stating after the game that he did very well. That is hard to disagree with, especially considering that it was only his first league start under his new manager.
Estevao was unfortunate to have his second disallowed goal ruled out and was an attacking threat all game. According to Sofascore, the winger made three key passes.
He also completed two accurate crosses and two successful dribbles. United could not deal with him or Rogers.
Rogers practically ran through their whole team to open the scoring for Chelsea before Palmer ended the game from the penalty spot.
Where Estevao led in gameweek 9
What also made Estevao such a threat last weekend was how often he was willing to shoot at United’s goal. In total, the 19-year-old took six shots, which was the most in gameweek 9, according to Squawka.
Out of his six shots, three of them were on target. Again, it was more than any other player managed in that round of Premier League fixtures.
Despite his lack of minutes this season, there is belief that Estevao will sign a new contract at Chelsea, which is huge news. He has been linked with some of Europe’s top clubs, but it does not look like the Brazilian will be going anywhere thankfully.