Alonso praises Estevao response as Chelsea beat Manchester United

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Xabi Alonso praised Estevao’s performance after Chelsea’s 2–0 win over Manchester United, with the winger making his case for more minutes despite having two goals ruled out for offside.

Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer scored in the second half at Stamford Bridge, where United finished with 10 men following Lisandro Martinez’s dismissal.

Estevao was unable to join them on the scoresheet, but his attacking contribution offered Chelsea another positive as they responded to a difficult week.

Alonso praises Estevao after Chelsea victory

Speaking to TNT Sports, in an interview carried by the Guardian’s live coverage, Alonso said Estevao had used his opportunity well and demonstrated why he wanted a bigger role.

“The best way to show is not being angry but to be competitive,” Alonso said.

The Brazilian repeatedly threatened from the right. His delivery gave Chelsea a useful route into the penalty area, while his willingness to take on defenders kept United occupied down that flank.

Twice he found the net, only for offside decisions to deny him. Those moments did not bring a goal, but they reflected his involvement in Chelsea’s most dangerous attacking moves.

Rogers and Palmer make the difference

Chelsea had gone into the break level after an open first half in which both sides created chances.

The breakthrough arrived five minutes after the restart. Romeo Lavia won possession in midfield and released Rogers, who drove through United’s defence before lifting his finish over Senne Lammens.

Palmer doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Martinez’s challenge on Wesley Fofana. The United defender received a second yellow card, leaving the visitors to play the closing stages a man short.

For the full account of the goals and dismissal, read our Chelsea vs Manchester United match report.

Chelsea respond after difficult week

The victory followed a home league defeat by Tottenham and a Carabao Cup exit against Liverpool on penalties.

Alonso’s side also kept a clean sheet, with Mike Penders denying United when they threatened. The goalkeeper was tested by Amad and made a late intervention to turn Bryan Mbeumo’s powerful effort onto the crossbar.

There was still evidence of the defensive uncertainty Chelsea need to address, particularly before half-time. United found openings, and the home side could not rely on controlling possession throughout.

But Chelsea were more decisive after the interval. Lavia helped turn a midfield contest into an attacking opportunity, Rogers supplied the finish and Palmer converted the penalty that put the game firmly in their favour.

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