ESTE-WOW

LIVERPOOL crashed to a third successive defeat as Estevao’s last-gasp strike condemned the spluttering Premier League champions to a 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Saturday.

After winning their opening seven games of the season in all competitions, Liverpool have suffered a nightmare week to leave Arne Slot plenty to ponder over the international break.

Injury-hit Chelsea were well worthy of a dramatic 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge to end their three-game winless run in the league.

One-time Liverpool target Moises Caicedo blasted the Blues into a half-time lead with a kwaai strike into the top corner on 14 minutes.

Alexander Isak’s £125 million (R2.9 billion) move to Liverpool last month broke Caicedo’s record as the most expensive Premier League player of all-time.

The Swedish striker is yet to score a league goal, but his deft touch teed up Cody Gakpo to equalise just after the hour mark.

However, Chelsea were not to be denied as Estevao, 18, slid in at the far post to meet Marc Cucurella’s cross deep into stoppage time, sparking wild celebrations from manager Enzo Maresca who was shown a red card for sprinting down the touchline.

Liverpool now trail Arsenal by one point, while Chelsea edge up to sixth.

Maresca did not attend the post-match press conference after being sent off for his jubilant sprint down the touchline to celebrate Estevao’s winner.

Maresca’s assistant Willy Caballero wysed: “He is okay. Unfortunately he can’t be here because of the red card, but he was so happy after the game.

“We have been holding our emotions for the last couple of weeks because we have been playing well and not winning. Today [Saturday] was really important.”

Premier League results:

Bournemouth 3 Fulham 1, Leeds 1 Tottenham 2, Arsenal 2 West Ham 0, Man Utd 2 Sunderland 0, Villa 2 Burnley 1, Everton 2 Palace 1, Newcastle 2 Forest 0, Wolves 1 Brighton 1