Liverpool hand Arsenal title momentum as Chelsea’s Estevao shines and Arne Slot champions stumble

Liverpool’s self-destructive run continues

For the first time under Arne Slot, Liverpool have slumped to three consecutive defeats. Their latest setback came at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory thanks to 18-year-old Estevao Willian’s stoppage-time strike. It leaves the reigning Premier League champions in second place heading into the October international break, and Arsenal suddenly look like the side with all the momentum in the title race.

Liverpool can hardly argue with the result. Chelsea, even missing key players, showed resilience, organisation and belief, while Slot’s team looked fractured and careless in the closing stages. A manic contest began in spectacular fashion when Moises Caicedo, once courted by Liverpool before his £115m move to west London, was allowed to glide into space and thunder an unstoppable shot into Giorgi Mamardashvili’s top corner.

Liverpool find a response but crumble late

The Reds improved after the break, particularly following the introduction of £117m man Florian Wirtz. Their equaliser came when Dominik Szoboszlai’s delivery caused panic, and after a couple of deflections, Cody Gakpo was on hand to tuck the ball away. At 1-1, the game was wide open, with both sides hunting a winner.

But as the minutes ticked away, it was Chelsea who seized the moment. Marc Cucurella’s darting run and clever cut-back in stoppage time presented Estevao with a golden chance, and the teenager kept his composure to finish coolly. Stamford Bridge erupted, and Liverpool were left reflecting on yet another late collapse.

Winner: Estevao Willian announces himself

Chelsea v Liverpool – Premier League

Estevao’s arrival in west London last year was a statement of intent by Chelsea, who beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich to his signature. Still just 18, he showed maturity beyond his years with a fearless cameo. From the moment he replaced Pedro Neto with 15 minutes left, fans inside the Bridge sensed something might happen.

He almost set up a goal for Enzo Fernandez with a superb cross and tested Mamardashvili himself before finally grabbing the decisive strike. At full-time, his embrace with the injured Cole Palmer hinted at Chelsea’s exciting future – a pair of young stars ready to lead a new era.

Loser: Arne Slot’s tactical confusion

Liverpool

The biggest concern for Liverpool is not just the result, but the manner of the performance. Slot’s side looked disjointed, unbalanced and unable to control the game when it mattered most. His experiment of shifting Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch into defensive roles left the backline exposed, and Chelsea eventually punished them.

Liverpool’s chaotic, end-to-end approach was thrilling last season when late winners fell their way. But three defeats in a row suggest this version of the champions lacks the structure and composure required to defend a title. Slot admitted afterwards: “We were dominant, but the game became open and we relied too much on margins.”

Winner: Enzo Maresca earns vital backing

Liverpool

While Slot searches for answers, Enzo Maresca can take enormous credit. Chelsea arrived at this fixture with injuries piling up and a young squad under pressure. His centre-back duo of Josh Acheampong and Benoît Badiashile both limped off, yet his side never lost belief.

Maresca’s wild celebrations when Estevao scored showed just how much this win meant. His team, average age under 25, showed grit and character in overcoming one of Europe’s most expensively assembled sides. For a manager still proving himself, this was a statement victory that could buy him time and goodwill.

Loser: Mohamed Salah’s worrying decline

Perhaps the most alarming subplot for Liverpool is Mohamed Salah’s form. The Egyptian has now gone six league games without a goal from open play, and at 33, the sharpness that once made him unstoppable looks dulled.

Against Chelsea, he wasted a gilt-edged chance just after half-time, firing wide after a clever flick from Wirtz. Beyond that, his decision-making was sluggish, his dribbles predictable, and his finishing wayward. Liverpool fans may be reluctant to admit it, but Salah is no longer the explosive force of old.

Loser: Florian Wirtz yet to deliver

Liverpool broke the bank for Florian Wirtz, but so far the German playmaker has flattered to deceive. Nine games into his Reds career, he is yet to score or assist, a stark contrast to his prolific numbers at Bayer Leverkusen.

His cameo at Stamford Bridge summed up his struggles: bright in moments, like his flick to Salah, but unable to impose himself on the match. For £117m, Liverpool need more than glimpses – they need a player capable of deciding games. Until he finds his feet, questions will persist.

Winner: Arsenal seize the advantage

Earlier in the day, Arsenal took care of business with a 2-0 win over West Ham, moving top of the table. Just weeks ago, their title hopes seemed fragile after a draw with Manchester City, but now they have the points and momentum.

Mikel Arteta’s team may not be as explosive as Liverpool, but they are steady, organised and ruthless. The contrast with Slot’s Reds could not be clearer: Arsenal control matches, while Liverpool chase chaos. That difference could prove decisive in the title race.

Final thoughts: A turning point in the title race?

Liverpool’s loss at Chelsea may only be October, but it feels significant. Estevao’s star is rising, Maresca has a landmark win, and Arsenal are finding their stride. Meanwhile, Slot is facing his first real crisis, Salah is struggling, and Wirtz is still searching for his spark.

The champions are not out of the fight, but unless they rediscover their structure and belief, they may well look back on this defeat at Stamford Bridge as the moment they handed Arsenal the title momentum.