Estevao fires in. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca answers whether Estevao will start against Arsenal

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Nov 26, 2025 3:45 AM ET

Enzo Maresca refused to confirm if Estevao will start against Arsenal on Sunday following his performance against Barcelona.

On a special night at Stamford Bridge Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners as they produced one of their best displays under Maresca.

Jules Kounde gave Chelsea the lead with an own goal before Estevao scored a brilliant goal, and Liam Delap rounded off the scoring.

Enzo Maresca refuses to confirm if Estevao will start against Arsenal

The win sees Chelsea move into the top five in the Champions League standings, with the top eight sides automatically advancing to the last 16.

All the talk pre-game had been about Estevao and Barcelona star Lamine Yamal, arguably the two best teenagers in world football.

However, come full time the talk was all about Estevao, and rightly so as he once again showed why he’s one of the best talents in world football.

Thierry Henry likened Estevao to Ryan Giggs, and the impact he’s had is extraordinary given he only arrived in the summer.

With performances like that it’s becoming increasingly difficult for Maresca to leave him out, but he refused to confirm if he’d start against Arsenal.

“We will see [if he starts against Arsenal],” he said as quoted on X.com.

“For now, it’s time for us to recover our energy.”

Chelsea building momentum

The win against Barcelona made it four wins and four clean sheets in a row for the Blues in all competitions heading into the game with Arsenal.

If Chelsea play anywhere near like they did on Tuesday night it’s hard to imagine them losing on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea are currently six points behind Arsenal, but a first win against the Gunners at Stamford Bridge since 2018 would put them three points back and very much in the title race at this stage of the season.

This article first appeared on Chelsea News and was syndicated with permission.

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