Hamstrung without the services of their maverick in Cole Palmer, Chelsea had their work cut out against Liverpool. Both teams headed into the game on the back of an unconvincing streak of results. However, substitute Estevao, who has been urged by head coach Enzo Maresca to “follow the example of Palmer”, came on as a second-half substitute, met Marc Cucurella’s low delivery and slid the ball into the back of the net in the fifth-minute of stoppage time to inflict a third successive loss on the Reds.
Madonna made a shock appearance at the Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with Chelsea and Liverpool drawing a global icon to one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season. The Queen of Pop was spotted enjoying popcorn while watching Maresca’s men take on Arne Slot’s troops in London, marking yet another occasion she’s been seen supporting the Blues.
The 67-year-old was in attendance for several Chelsea games last season, often spotted alongside her rumoured partner Akeem Morris. Not only was she present to witness a Palmer quadruple against Brighton, but also saw them slip to defeat against Legia Warsaw in the Conference League.
Madonna’s allegiance to Chelsea can be traced back to two significant factors. Firstly, her marriage to renowned film director and producer Guy Ritchie, a lifelong Chelsea supporter, from 2000 to 2008 likely played a pivotal role. Secondly, American PR mogul Barbara Charone, who played a key role in launching Madonna’s global career in the 1980s, further cemented the singer’s connection to the club. Charone has been a member of Chelsea’s board of directors since July 2022.
Chelsea badly needed the win after dropping eight points in their last three league games. That they notched a win against the defending champions could prove to be a huge confidence booster as the season progresses. They will resume their campaign following the upcoming international break on October 18, when they lock horns against Ange Postecoglou’s Nottingham Forest.
