Error code: %{errorCode}
No Palmer? No problem - Estevao and Chelsea run roughshod over hapless West Ham United
There was an early speed bump, but Chelsea did the expected and dominated an overmatched West Ham United side to win 5-1 at the London Stadium on Friday.
And they did it without Cole Palmer.
The 23-year-old was pulled from the Blues' starting XI during warm-ups after heading to the tunnel with an injury before kick-off. That opened up an opportunity for 18-year-old Estevao Willian to make his first Premier League start in Palmer's stead, a massive responsibility for the young Brazilian who had just joined the FIFA Club World Cup-winning side earlier this month.
The youngster came as billed — full of skill and guile as he helped guide the Chelsea attack on a high-scoring away day for the Blues, but also showing a bit of naivete as it was his ill-advised attempted backheel flick in the middle of the field that gave the ball to West Ham and led to their sixth-minute goal.
However, Estevao settled in after that and looked a full-fledged member of his new club's front four, participating in the press when expected to and combining well with his teammates while in possession. And in the 34th minute, the teenager recorded his first official Premier League goal contribution after driving into the West Ham end and putting the ball on a platter for Enzo Fernandez to tap-in from a few yards out.
Julian Finney/Getty Images
From that point on there was only one side that were going to win, and Estevao's influence wasn't felt as much in the second half as Chelsea ran up the score. There was a moment late in the half when the youngster should have scored, but his decision-making in front of goal after receiving an inch-perfect through ball left much to be desired.
However, simply being able to step into Palmer's place on literally a few minutes' notice and make the world not even notice that Chelsea's star man was missing is a huge accomplishment in its own right for Estevao, and with more playing time to acclimate to a new country, language and teammates, the teenager could quickly show why he was so highly coveted by the world champions in the first place.
How to watch the Premier League in Canada
Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.
With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga and more.
For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.
