According to a report by The BBC on Saturday, October 31, 2026, Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso has opened up on his decision to hand teenage sensation Estevao Willian his first Premier League start of the season, a bold move that paid off spectacularly in a 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Despite transfer speculation in the Brazilian media regarding his limited minutes, Estevao proved his worth with an electric 86-minute performance.

The 19-year-old Brazilian winger constantly tormented the United defense, having two goals narrowly ruled out for offside and creating numerous chances before receiving a standing ovation from the home faithful.

Alonso revealed that the decision to start the £38m signing was made in the wake of their previous home defeat against Tottenham.

"We spoke after Tottenham and he knew that he was going to be playing," Alonso said, praising the youngster's professionalism and response.

While the West London side faced a striker crisis due to Joao Pedro's thigh injury, club-record signing Morgan Rogers stepped up in a strikerless setup.

The former Aston Villa man broke the deadlock in the 50th minute with a stunning, Gascoigne-esque solo run, slaloming past defenders before chipping goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Cole Palmer later sealed the points from the penalty spot.

The victory eases some pressure on Alonso while plunging Michael Carrick’s Manchester United deeper into crisis following Lisandro Martinez's red card.

With Estevao delivering an X-factor performance, Alonso faces a welcome headache in keeping the young Brazilian in his starting plans.