Eighteen-year-old winger Estevao delivered Chelsea’s best moment of the early part of the season with his last-gasp winner against the champions.
It was the first Blues goal for a wonderkid who has already started games for Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti – and who is regarded by many back home as the next star attacker from one of football’s great talent factories.
Before his £51m move to Chelsea, Estevao had already become the first under-18 player to record 20 goals and assists for his former club Palmeiras, beating a record once held by Neymar.
His first Blues goal has taken a while to arrive but it came just when they needed it, as manager Maresca threw him – and other teenagers Marc Guiu and Gittens – on to win the match.
Estevao might be Chelsea’s rising star, but Ecuador midfielder Caicedo is arguably the Blues’ key man.
The £115m signing opened the scoring with a stunning strike and came close with another long-range effort in the 89th minute.
Then he showcased his defensive qualities by tracking Robertson’s dangerous deep run four minutes into injury time.
Caicedo – who nearly joined Liverpool – must be in discussions for the best midfielder in the league.
One disappointing note for Chelsea will be the loss of their centre-back pairing Josh Acheampong and Benoit Badiashile to injury.
Their withdrawals in the second half leave the Blues without six central defenders with five injured and one out through suspension.
