Kickhell

Estevao starts for Chelsea in 2-0 win over Man United

Xabi Alonso named Estevao to start in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, praising the 19-year-old's 'best response'.

· Kickhell

Estevao in action for Palmeiras, pictured before his Chelsea start against Manchester United.
NullReason / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons

Chelsea beat Manchester United 2-0 at Stamford Bridge, with Estevao Willian starting his first Premier League game of the campaign. The 19-year-old was given the start earlier in the week, Xabi Alonso said.

Alonso said he told Estevao after the Tottenham game that he had earmarked him to start against United. 'We spoke after Tottenham and he knew he was going to be playing today,' Alonso said. 'He had the best response and showed that he deserves more and that he was prepared, and that is what we want from our players. So we're very happy for him.'

Estevao had two goals ruled out by the assistant referee and VAR and registered six shots, the joint-most by a Chelsea player in a top-flight game this season. He also created three chances and received a standing ovation when he was replaced by Malo Gusto late on.

Morgan Rogers broke the deadlock with a solo run. Cole Palmer added a penalty after Lisandro Martinez was sent off for a foul on Wesley Fofana.

Joao Pedro is sidelined with a thigh injury, forcing Alonso to adjust his frontline over the last three matches. Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League after nine games, while United are 17th.

Chelsea return from the international break to face Leeds United.

Related