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Premier League, Chelsea stun Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge: Stats

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By Rajdeep Saha | Oct 05, 2025, 01:17 AM

**Chelsea Stun Liverpool with Last-Minute Winner from Estevao in Thrilling Premier League Clash**

In a thrilling Premier League encounter at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, October 5, 2025, Chelsea stunned Liverpool with a dramatic last-minute winner from Estevao. The home side took the lead through Moises Caicedo in the first half, but Liverpool fought back with an equalizer from Cody Gakpo in the second. Ultimately, it was Estevao’s stoppage-time strike that sealed a memorable 2-1 victory for Chelsea.

### Match Highlights

**Caicedo Gives Chelsea the Lead**

The match began cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out before an exciting contest developed. Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Moises Caicedo unleashed a stunning long-range shot that hit the top left corner of the net.

Liverpool responded quickly, nearly equalizing in the 18th minute through Cody Gakpo, whose shot from the left flank was expertly blocked by the Chelsea defense.

**Second Half Drama**

Chelsea looked to extend their lead before the break, with Alejandro Garnacho’s effort rattling the post in the 38th minute. Liverpool’s Alexander Isak also had a golden chance just before halftime, but his header sailed over the crossbar.

The second half started with Liverpool on the front foot. Mohamed Salah came close to leveling the score when his strike hit the side netting, keeping the game finely poised.

Liverpool finally drew level in the 63rd minute when Alexander Isak provided a perfect assist for Gakpo, who finished clinically.

The match remained intense as both teams created opportunities, but it was Estevao who emerged as the hero in stoppage time. Scoring from a low cross delivered by Marc Cucurella in the 95th minute, Estevao’s winner sent the Stamford Bridge crowd into raptures. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca celebrated wildly on the touchline, delighted by the blow to the Premier League holders.

### Match Details and Stats

– Chelsea recorded 12 attempts with 6 shots on target.
– Liverpool managed 12 attempts but only 2 shots on target.
– In the opposition box, Chelsea had 22 shots compared to Liverpool’s 24.
– Chelsea held 53% possession while Liverpool had 47%.
– Chelsea earned 7 corners against Liverpool’s 2.

### Premier League Standings Update

Following this result, Liverpool sit 2nd in the Premier League with 15 points from 7 matches (W5 D0 L2). Chelsea are sixth with 11 points (W3 D2 L2).

### Opta Stats and Key Records

– Chelsea remain unbeaten in their last 5 Premier League matches against Liverpool (W2 D3).
– This marks Chelsea’s first victory over the Premier League holders since a 1-0 win at Anfield in March 2021.
– The Blues have recorded back-to-back league wins against Liverpool for the first time since November 2014.
– Liverpool are winless in their last 5 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge.
– This is Chelsea’s second successive league win against Liverpool at home.

Chelsea’s late drama not only delights their fans but also signals a potential shift in momentum in one of the Premier League’s most storied rivalries.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/chelsea-beat-liverpool-in-premier-league/story

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Chelsea v Liverpool: Premier League – live

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Premier League Updates from the 5.30pm BST Kick-Off

⚽ Live scores | Top scorers | Sign up for Football Daily

Arsenal secured a 2-0 victory over West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, moving above Liverpool in the Premier League table, at least for a couple of hours. Here’s how the Premier League standings look right now.

Enzo Maresca on Upcoming Matches

“It’s nice to play Liverpool. It’s a chance to learn and we’ve prepared as best we can,” said Enzo Maresca ahead of the match.

Addressing Chelsea’s injury concerns, Maresca added, “Nine players are unfortunately out, plus we have two or three players carrying injuries. We will try to find solutions and hopefully we can have a good day – for us and for the fans.”

Continue reading for more updates…

https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2025/oct/04/chelsea-v-liverpool-premier-league-live-score-updates

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Hugo Ekitike reckons Alexander Isak competition will boost him at Liverpool

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Hugo Ekitike believes Alexander Isak’s presence will aid his development as the young striker welcomed the increased competition at Liverpool.

Arne Slot’s Premier League champions made waves in the summer transfer window, with the 23-year-old Ekitike following the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez to Anfield. Ekitike joined from Frankfurt in a deal worth £69 million plus a potential £10 million (approximately €11.45 million) in add-ons and has hit the ground running, scoring five goals in eight appearances across all competitions.

But Liverpool maintained a strong interest in Newcastle sharpshooter Isak throughout the summer and secured the striker for a British record £125 million on deadline day.

“I think it’s good to have players in such a big club,” Ekitike said. “I can’t see one big club playing with only one striker, so I think it’s good that he’s here. Even for me at my age, I think I still have a lot of things to improve and learn, so for me it’s good that he’s here.”

He added, “As for if we can play together, that’s for the coach to decide how he wants to play. That’s not me. But obviously, he’s a great player. I’ve been playing in two-striker compositions and one-striker systems, so I can do a lot of things. If we have to play together, I can do that.”

Ekitike certainly appears to be loving life at Liverpool, having joined despite interest from the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle.

“It was just the best choice,” he said. “You know, it’s the champions of England. For me, they have great players, a great history. It just fitted with what I was looking for after Frankfurt.”

Ekitike was speaking on the eve of Liverpool’s Champions League match at Galatasaray, where the young striker is in line to make his first appearance since last Tuesday’s embarrassing sending-off.

The Frenchman replaced Isak at half-time of the Carabao Cup clash against Southampton and went on to score a late winner. He famously removed his shirt and held it up to the cameras in celebration. However, the substitute had already been booked and received what Slot called a “stupid red card” that ruled him out of Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Crystal Palace.

“I think that wasn’t smart,” Ekitike admitted. “Obviously, I punished myself alone, I’d say. I felt a bit disappointed to watch the boys from home last Saturday, but as I said on Instagram, I apologise to everybody already, to my teammates. That kind of thing won’t happen again. I just move on now. I am just looking forward to playing and I just focus on football.”

Ekitike will hope to make amends in Istanbul, where Liverpool arrived without Federico Chiesa due to what Slot described as a “little niggle.” The Liverpool boss did not want to take any risks ahead of Saturday’s trip to Chelsea—a match he hopes to approach on the back of a morale-boosting victory against Galatasaray.

“I think we always have to do, no matter if you win, lose, or draw, what is asked of you if you want to compete for trophies, but let alone if you wear a Liverpool shirt,” Slot said. “That is giving everything you have and combining that with the best football you can play.”

“We created more chances during the course of the game, more chances than we had in all the three games we played before against Palace, but we also conceded many more chances than we did before. So we can improve, and the things we can improve I will show tonight to the players.”
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/hugo-ekitike-reckons-alexander-isak-competition-will-boost-him-at-liverpool-1812742.html

competition, football, match, premier league, sports

Late Eddie Nketiah winner sees Crystal Palace end Liverpool’s unbeaten start

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Liverpool were given a taste of their own medicine by Crystal Palace as Eddie Nketiah’s last-gasp winner wrecked their 100 per cent start to the season. The Eagles snatched a deserved 2-1 victory with the final kick of the match, just after Federico Chiesa thought he had rescued a point for the champions.

Since losing in the Community Shield to Palace, Liverpool had won all seven of their matches this season, clinching victory in six of them in the 83rd minute or later. But it was substitute Nketiah who produced the last-gasp heroics, prompting Palace’s usually reserved boss Oliver Glasner to charge down the touchline in celebration.

Palace took the lead early when Ismaila Sarr struck in the 10th minute. The goal came after Tyrick Mitchell and Yeremy Pino broke down the left, resulting in Palace’s first corner. Daichi Kamada swung in the cross, and Marc Guehi — who would have been playing for Liverpool if the Reds had secured his transfer on deadline day — challenged Ryan Gravenberch at the far post. It was Reds midfielder Gravenberch who inadvertently headed the ball back into his own six-yard box, where Sarr was on hand to lash it home.

Liverpool responded quickly by winning a free-kick on the edge of the Palace area, but play was delayed for six minutes due to a medical emergency in the Arthur Wait stand. When Mohamed Salah finally stepped up, his shot hit the defensive wall, and Gravenberch’s fierce follow-up was superbly tipped onto the near post by Palace keeper Dean Henderson.

Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson Becker was by far the busier keeper throughout the match, keeping his side in it by denying Pino, Daniel Munoz, and Jean-Philippe Mateta in quick succession. Defender Ibrahima Konate, in particular, endured a torrid time at the back, which was compounded when he pulled back Mateta to earn a booking. This display highlighted exactly why Reds boss Arne Slot pushed hard to land England defender Guehi.

Konate probably should have equalised with a free header from Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner, but the ball flew inches wide. Palace twice came agonisingly close to doubling their lead in first-half stoppage time. First, a slick counter culminated in Mateta curling his shot against Alisson’s far post, then the French striker blazed a volley over from eight yards before the break.

After the break, Munoz just failed to convert Pino’s cross at the far post, before Alisson came out quickly to block Mateta again. Liverpool should have been level on the hour mark, but Florian Wirtz side-footed Szoboszlai’s cross straight at Henderson.

Then came what should have been Alexander Isak’s big moment. The £130 million striker raced onto a ball played in behind, jinked past Chris Richards, only to stab his shot wide.

However, with three minutes left, the ball found Chiesa in the area, and the Italian volleyed home. The goal survived a VAR check for handball by Salah, providing Liverpool with hope.

Yet Nketiah had the last word, tucking the ball away at the far post with another VAR check for offside adding to the late drama — which this time did not go Liverpool’s way.
https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/late-eddie-nketiah-winner-sees-crystal-palace-end-liverpools-unbeaten-start-1811933.html

coaching, football, premier league, sports

Arsenal were a better team against Man City: Pep Guardiola

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**Arsenal Were the Better Team Against Man City, Says Pep Guardiola**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 22, 2025, 01:18 AM*

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that Arsenal outperformed his team in their recent Premier League encounter, which ended in a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.

Despite an early goal from Erling Haaland giving City the lead, Arsenal fought back with a late equalizer from Gabriel Martinelli. Reflecting on the match, Guardiola admitted, “I think the result is fair. In general, Arsenal were better.” He praised Arsenal’s overall performance, describing the game as “demanding” and commending their solid defensive organization, especially during set-pieces.

### Tactical Shift: Defensive Approach from City

In a departure from his usual style, Guardiola deployed a five-man defense to contain Arsenal’s attacking threats. “We don’t try to be like this but when the opponent is better we defend deeper and counter-attack,” he explained. This defensive setup helped frustrate Arsenal for most of the match but was ultimately breached in the closing stages when Martinelli scored.

### Resilience Amid Fatigue

Guardiola also highlighted the physical and emotional challenges his squad faced leading up to this fixture. Having played intense matches against Manchester United and Napoli earlier in the week, fatigue was a significant factor. “Hats off to our team for the resilience. It’s so difficult when you’re not effective with high pressing,” he remarked.

He further noted the toll of their prior encounter with Napoli and the long journey to London, which impacted his team’s usual dominance.

### Notable Stats

According to Opta, the 1-1 draw marked a record low for Guardiola’s teams in terms of possession during a top-flight league match. Manchester City held just 32.8% possession, the lowest average of any Guardiola side in his Premier League career, and one of the two lowest possession stats recorded in his 601 league games as City manager — both occurring against Arsenal (the other being 36.5% in March 2023).

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Pep Guardiola’s candid reflections underline Arsenal’s rising stature and the challenges facing Manchester City as they navigate a congested fixture schedule this season.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/pep-guardiola-praises-arsenal-after-stalemate-at-the-emirates/story

football, premier league, sports, tactics, team performance

Hits and misses: Arsenal ‘finishers’ bail out Arteta as Pep ‘parks the bus’

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Arsenal’s ‘Finishers’ Step Up Again

Mikel Arteta used the word “finishers” when talking up the importance of Arsenal’s substitutes following their Champions League win over Athletic Club on Tuesday. They came through again five days later in the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, helping the Gunners out of a tricky spot.

There did not seem to be much on when Eberechi Eze picked up the ball in his own half during the third of seven minutes of stoppage time after a largely listless Arsenal display. However, his perfectly weighted ball over the top found fellow “finisher” Martinelli, who did the rest.

The pass and looping finish that followed were rare moments of individual quality in an Arsenal performance that lacked attacking inspiration. For Martinelli, fresh from his goal and assist from the bench in midweek, it was further proof of his impact.

More broadly, though, it again reflected the increased depth available to Arteta. While it was clear the Arsenal boss got his starting line-up wrong, he is right in thinking matches can be changed from the bench—even if this time it was only enough for a draw.

Martinelli, in particular, will hope his latest contribution is enough to win him a place in the starting line-up against Newcastle next weekend. Alongside Eze, he provided another reminder that Arsenal have the quality and tools to turn games with their substitutes.

Nick Wright

Did Pep ‘Park the Bus’?

Pep Guardiola smiled when asked if he had “parked the bus” during his post-match press conference at the Emirates Stadium. “One time in 10 years isn’t bad,” joked the Manchester City boss.

City recorded just 32.8% possession in their draw with Arsenal—the lowest share of the ball by a Guardiola team in any league game throughout his 601-game top-flight career.

Guardiola attributed this not to a deliberate defensive tactic but to Arsenal’s quality. There may be some truth to that, especially considering the second-lowest possession percentage of his managerial career also came against Arsenal two years ago.

He also highlighted the context of a gruelling week for his players. Arsenal had two more days’ rest than City, who had faced Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday, following their Manchester derby win the previous Sunday.

There was an acceptance, too, that his new-look team is still finding its way. Changes in personnel over recent months require certain adjustments in their style. Erling Haaland’s goal reflected an increased emphasis on direct attacks, but the lack of possession was something different altogether.

Nick Wright

Newcastle’s Away-Goal Drought Continues

A combined expected goals total of just 0.69 summed up what was a dull affair between Newcastle and Bournemouth. The goalless draw was far from exciting but is not unfamiliar territory for Newcastle away from St James’ Park this season.

The Magpies have now failed to score in their last four away games, extending a winless run on the road to six matches.

Eddie Howe fielded a heavily changed Newcastle side, making seven alterations from the team that had been beaten by Barcelona. One of those changes included their club-record signing, Nick Woltemade. Despite some impressive moments on the ball, Woltemade failed to register a single shot, which will be a concern for Howe.

Having lost one of the league’s leading goalscorers in Alexander Isak, Newcastle now face a troubling goalscoring problem. This issue adds to the narrative about the impact of Isak’s departure.

The good news for Newcastle is they will have time to address their toothless away goalscoring run, as their next away match is against Brighton after the upcoming international break.

William Bitibiri

Sunderland’s ‘Captain Fantastic’ Xhaka Delivers Again

Few expected Granit Xhaka’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to newly-promoted Sunderland in the summer, but the decision has already been justified for both club and player.

The 32-year-old has played every minute of Sunderland’s first Premier League campaign since the 2016/17 season, helping Regis Le Bris’ side to eight points from their opening five games.

Xhaka is not only a calming presence in front of a defence with limited top-flight experience but also provides valuable attacking support. He assisted Wilson Isidor in the 2-1 win over Brentford last month and repeated the feat in the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa, cleverly cushioning a header to set up Isidor to score and earn a point.

In his post-match press conference, Le Bris revealed that Xhaka had addressed the squad following Reinildo’s needless red card, underlining his leadership qualities as captain.

William Bitibiri

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13435587/arsenal-finishers-eberechi-eze-and-gabriel-martinelli-bail-out-mikel-arteta-as-pep-guardiolas-man-city-parks-the-bus-premier-league-hits-and-misses

chelsea, football, manchester united, premier league, sports

Bruno Fernandes completes 100 goals for Manchester United: Key stats

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**Bruno Fernandes Completes 100 Goals for Manchester United: Key Stats**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 20, 2025, 10:45 pm*

Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes has reached a remarkable milestone, completing 100 goals for the club. He achieved this feat during a crucial Premier League contest against Chelsea at Old Trafford.

The match saw Chelsea reduced to 10 men early on in Matchday 5. Taking advantage of the numerical advantage, Manchester United steadily built pressure. Fernandes secured his landmark goal from a precise cross by Patrick Dorgu across the face of the goal.

After a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside, the goal was ultimately awarded, confirming Fernandes’ 100th strike for the Red Devils.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/bruno-fernandes-attains-this-milestone-for-man-united/story