Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Lisandro Martinez pointed the finger at technical director Jason Wilcox and the club's hierarchy in his outspoken interview after the Atletico Madrid game. But he only had himself to blame for the events leading to his red card and Chelsea's penalty on Sunday. There were barely three minutes between the foul on Morgan Rogers that earned him his first yellow card of the afternoon in Manchester United's 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge and the confirmation, from referee Peter Bankes, that he would be receiving a second for needlessly raising an arm to the face of Wesley Fofana in the box.
The defender, starting for the first time since the 1-1 draw against Leeds, was also one of the players at fault for Chelsea's opener, when Rogers glided through United's defence with bewildering ease to set the wheels in motion for United's defeat. Martinez was not acknowledged by Michael Carrick as he trudged down the tunnel. But the United head coach did not criticise him after the game, albeit while acknowledging the double whammy of having him sent off, and conceding a penalty, was a "big moment" in the game.
It was also a moment to sum up the dysfunction at the club.Nick Wright Xabi Alonso needed to beat Manchester United to put a stop to the grumblings around the Chelsea fan base. It had been a difficult week and questions were beginning to be asked: and none more so than those about Estevao's limited role in the team. The Brazilian was handed his first Premier League start of the season at Stamford Bridge and seized his opportunity, leaving the pitch in second-half stoppage-time with the most shots (6), chances created (3) and touches in the opposition box (12).
Still only 19, Alonso is right to be careful with the teenager, but performances like that are only making it harder to keep Estevao out of the Chelsea line-up. Morgan Rogers, who scored a fabulous goal, took most of the plaudits but Estevao was the bigger threat. His performance deserved a goal and very nearly got one in the second half when he smashed the ball into the roof of the net only for it to be disallowed for offisde by VAR.
If he keeps playing like that, sooner or later the youngster will find the back of the net. Reports had emerged suggesting top clubs in Europe were watching Estevao's situation at Chelsea with increasing interest. Chelsea fans can be reassured by Alonso's explanation about his plan for the teenager.
It would be a disaster if the club were to lose him. Estevao should be considered among Chelsea's untouchables. There has been no better signing of a young talent by the current ownership bar Cole Palmer.
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