Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool Player Ratings: Moises Caicedo 8.5/10 Rated as a Last-Minute Winner From Estevao Sinks Liverpool

What a pulsating encounter we've just witnessed at Stamford Bridge. It is Liverpool who must be gutted after failing to see out the game in the second half. This Premier League clash was a real chess match, filled with tactical nuances and moments of individual brilliance. Chelsea burst out of the blocks, and their early pressure paid off. Moisés Caicedo found the back of the net to give the home side a deserved lead.

The Blues looked comfortable for large parts of the first half, even coming agonizingly close to a second when Alejandro Garnacho's effort cannoned off the post. However, you can never count Liverpool out. They regrouped and came out fighting in the second half. The ever-dangerous Cody Gakpo capitalized on a chance to level the proceedings. What stood out to us was the sheer intensity, which never dropped from the first whistle to the last. However, the limelight was stolen by the Brazilian wonderkid Estevao, who scored a last-minute winner against the 20-time league champions Liverpool. Here are the Chelsea vs Liverpool player ratings.

Liverpool Player Ratings vs Chelsea

Here are the Liverpool player ratings vs Chelsea.

Goalkeeper

Giorgi Mamardashvili - 7.5: He was a spectator for the goal but came up huge late in the game. From our perspective, his two saves in the 84th minute were crucial; however, he couldn't do much about Estevao's winner. He looked confident and commanded his area well, especially with some good high claims.

Defenders

Virgil van Dijk - 6.5: A standard, solid performance from the captain. He made several important clearances and was generally composed. However, the defence he leads was breached and looked a bit vulnerable at times, which he can't be entirely absolved of. He did his job without being spectacular.

Ibrahima Konaté - 6.0: A mixed outing for the Frenchman before he was substituted. He made a couple of key tackles but also looked a bit rash, committing a silly foul. He didn't seem entirely comfortable and his withdrawal wasn't a major surprise. Not his best day.

Milos Kerkez - 5.5: He really struggled to make any sort of positive impact on the game. We noticed he was dribbled past and offered very little going forward before being hooked early in the second half. A difficult afternoon for the defender.

Conor Bradley - 5.0: A truly forgettable first half for the youngster. He was responsible for three fouls, picked up a yellow card, and looked completely off the pace. It was no surprise to see him substituted at half-time. A learning experience, but a poor performance.

Midfielders

Dominik Szoboszlai - 5.5: We were personally disappointed with his contribution. He missed a big chance, picked up a needless yellow card, and lost possession far too often. He seemed frustrated throughout and couldn't impose his quality on the match. A very quiet and ineffective game.

Alexis Mac Allister - 6.0: The World Cup winner worked hard and tried to dictate play but it just didn't come off for him. He created one chance but also lost the ball ten times, which is unlike him. He put in a shift but lacked his usual creative spark and influence.

C. Gakpo - 8.0: Liverpool's best player by a country mile. He was a menace all game, creating three chances, recovering the ball eight times, and deservedly scoring the equalizer. His movement and energy were exceptional. Without him, Liverpool would have left with nothing.

Ryan Gravenberch - 7.0: A tidy and promising performance. He kept the ball well, showed high pass accuracy, and even tested the keeper with a shot on target. He looked comfortable and composed in a chaotic midfield battle. One of the few bright spots for the visitors.

Forwards

Alexander Isak - 6.5: He'll be credited with an assist but his overall game was underwhelming. He missed a big chance with a header and struggled to hold the ball up effectively. His afternoon was cut short by injury, capping off a frustrating day for the striker.

Mohamed Salah - 5.5: What stood out to us was his profligacy in front of goal. He missed three shots, including a glaring opportunity in the second half. For a player of his calibre, it was a shockingly poor display of finishing. He just never looked like scoring.

Substitutes

Substitutes - 6.5: Andy Robertson brought some much-needed energy, though he did concede a few corners. Curtis Jones helped shore up the midfield after coming on. Hugo Ekitiké and Wataru Endo didn't have much time to make a significant impact but helped see the game out.

Manager

A. Slot - 6.5: His initial lineup seemed to struggle against Chelsea's press. The half-time substitution of Bradley was necessary and his later changes helped get his team back into the game. He ultimately salvaged a point away from home, which is a decent result, but the overall performance was disjointed.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Liverpool

Here are the Chelsea player ratings vs Liverpool.

Goalkeeper

Robert Sánchez - 6.0: Couldn't do anything about the goal. His distribution was a bit concerning, with a pass accuracy of just 60%. He made one save but didn't inspire a huge amount of confidence. An average day at the office.

Defenders

Marc Cucurella - 7.5: An excellent all-round display from the Spaniard. He was superb defensively, winning all his tackles, and was a creative force going forward, creating two chances. He looked sharp and full of energy down the left flank. A very strong performance.

Benoît Badiashile - 7.0: He looked incredibly composed and assured before his unfortunate injury. His passing was near-perfect, and he was handling Liverpool's attackers with ease. It was a real shame to see him forced off, as he was playing very well.

Reece James - 7.5: A true captain's performance. He was immense, winning an incredible 7 of his 9 duels. He was a rock at the back and provided an outlet going forward. He led by example and showed his class throughout the ninety minutes.

Josh Acheampong - 6.0: A steady debut in a high-pressure game before he too was forced off with an injury. He didn't do much wrong and kept things simple. He held his own but wasn't a standout performer. A decent, if short, outing.

Midfielders

Pedro Neto - 6.5: He was a willing runner and looked lively, but his final ball was lacking. He failed to complete any of his six crosses, which was frustrating to watch. He worked hard for the team but lacked that cutting edge in the final third.

Enzo Fernández - 6.5: A typically combative performance, but also a sloppy one. He got stuck in with four tackles but also lost possession 13 times and committed a couple of fouls. A very mixed bag from the Argentine midfielder.

Moisés Caicedo - 8.5: Our man of the match. An absolutely dominant performance in the heart of midfield, capped off with a well-taken goal. He was everywhere, breaking up play, winning tackles, and driving his team forward. A colossal display.

Malo Gusto - 8.0: What a game from the full-back. He provided the assist for the goal and was a constant threat down the right. His nine ball recoveries show his defensive work rate too. An outstanding, energetic performance.

Alejandro Garnacho - 7.0: He was so unlucky not to score, with his effort striking the post. He looked dangerous every time he got on the ball, completing successful dribbles and drawing fouls. A real livewire who caused Liverpool problems.

Forwards

João Pedro - 5.5: He really struggled to impose himself on the game. He was often isolated and lost the majority of his duels. He only managed 17 touches before being substituted. A very quiet and ineffective performance.

Substitutes

Substitutes - 6.5: Roméo Lavia came on for the injured Badiashile and filled in adequately. Jorrel Hato also came on due to an injury.

Estevao - 7.5: Came on to provide some fresh legs, but scored the game-winner for his team in the last minute.

Manager

E. Maresca - 7.0: He set his team up perfectly to start the game, pressing high and taking an early lead. His side looked organized and motivated. He will be disappointed that his team couldn't hold on for the win, but it was a positive tactical display against a top side. The Italian manager had already shown a yellow card, but had to make it worse by receiving the second yellow card for celebrating.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match is Moises Caicedo