Moises Caicedo world-class but 5/10 star struggles - Chelsea player ratings vs Liverpool

Estevao Willian scored a 95th-minute winner as Chelsea beat champions Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, with head coach Enzo Maresca being sent off for his celebrations. Moises Caicedo opened the scoring with a stunning effort from 25 yards out to give the Blues the dream start in west London.

Cody Gakpo levelled the match with a clinical finish on 63 minutes after the Dutchman pounced on Alexander Isak’s flick. The game looked like it would end 1-1 but Estevao popped up at the backpost with just one minute of injury time remaining to inflict a third successive defeat on Arne Slot's side.

Despite the win, the Blues' injury cruse struck again. Both Benoit Badiashile and Josh Acheampong limped off in the second-half, leaving Chelsea with just Jorrel Hato and Trevoh Chalobah - who missed the game due to suspension - as the club’s only fit senior central defenders.

Storm Amy ensured a blustery affair at Stamford Bridge and it was Liverpool who started on top with early possession in the Chelsea half.

It was Chelsea, though, who took the lead on 14 minutes when Caicedo struck from the edge of the box into the top corner, and that took the noise level up at Stamford Bridge. Maresca could be seen after the goal asking for more of the same from the home supporters as they chanted their team’s name.

Chelsea’s press was intense when Liverpool had possession and it forced the champions into some sloppy passes in west London. Garnacho went down in the box around 40 minutes in after an altercation with Dominik Szoboszlai but referee Anthony Taylor shook his head, much to the frustration of Maresca.

The Chelsea head coach was then booked for dissent and then continued an argument with the Liverpool bench. The Reds went close shortly after with Alexander Isak heading over from close range after linking up with Mohamed Salah for the first time just before half-time.

Florian Wirtz was introduced for the visitors at half-time to try and add some attacking impetus. The German immediately set up a chance for Salah but the winger hit it just wide on his right foot.

Salah had one on his left foot not long after but the Egyptian’s indifferent form in front of goal continued as the ball sailed into the Shed End. Pedro Neto had an opportunity to double Chelsea’s lead with a close-range header but Andy Robertson, on as a second-half substitute, did well to block the effort.

Liverpool equalised just past the hour-mark with Gakpo pouncing from close range after a clever flick from Isak. Isak then went down in the box looking for a penalty after an incident with Reece James, but Taylor waved the appeals away.

Both sides were not content with a point and pressed for the all important third goal, and it was Estevao who delivered the goods for the hosts. Maresca went to celebrate with his players and was given a red card for his antics.

Below, Bobby Vincent has rated the Chelsea players based on their performance:

Robert Sanchez - 6

Didn't really have too much to do which would have surprised him.

Reece James - 7

Surprisingly it was the Chelsea captain at right-back and Malo Gusto in midfield. He moved to centre-back in the second-half with Benoit Badiashile limping off.

Josh Acheampong - 8

His first start in the Premier League since the opening weekend of the season. Showed his confidence with a powerful run from the back on six minutes. He did something similar on 36 minutes and it almost created an opportunity.

Benoit Badiashile - 7

The Frenchman's first league start of the season. Composed start in possession. A great block on 18 minutes to deny Dominik Szobozlai from close range. Great performance. Cruel way to end with the defender limping off.

Marc Cucurella - 7

The difficult job of trying to nullify Mohamed Salah. The Spaniard, though, did that very well with Salah ineffective for the visitors.

Malo Gusto - 7

Used in midfield. Does well for the first goal and technically gets the assist. Although not too sure you can say he put it on a plate for Caicedo. Did well in midfield.

Moises Caicedo - 9

A world-class strike on 14 minutes that made Stamford Bridge erupt.

Pedro Neto - 7

On the right wing, which would have pleased him. An entertaining battle with Milos Kerkez. One he got the better of. The Portuguese's defensive work is so impressive.

Enzo Fernandez - 6

Looked as if he would be in a more advanced role with Gusto alongside Caicedo but he spent the majority of the game alongside the duo.

Alejandro Garnacho - 6

A first league start since signing for the Blues. Should have done better with a great chance on 38 minutes. Garnacho, though, terrorised Conor Bradley throughout the first-half.

Joao Pedro - 5

Quiet. Got no change, really, up against Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk.

Romeo Lavia (on for Badiashile 56') - 6

On in the second-half. Looked really sharp.

Jorrel Hato (on for Acheampong 68') - 6

Does well in difficult circumstances.

Jamie Gittens (on for Garnacho 74') - 6

Unfortunate with a shot late on that was well saved.

Marc Guiu (on for Joao Pedro 74') - 6

Nice to see him actually play football!

Estevao Willian (on for Neto 74') - 8

Delivered when he needed to with a memorable late winner.