Xabi Alonso has praised Estevao for his showing against Manchester United today, which really deserved a goal.
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Xabi Alonso has had to answer questions about Estevao Willian all week. Fans – and journalists – couldn't understand why he had featured so little in the last week.
When the Brazilian featured in the starting team today, it would have been easy to think that the Basque coach had bowed to the pressure. But in fact it was quite the opposite – Alonso knew he was going to be using the Brazilian today, and just had to bat away questions without showing his hand.
Estevao had a shot. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
"You asked me, but sometimes I can't give you all the info," the manager said.
"We spoke after Tottenham and he knew that he was going to be playing tonight, today. He has had the best response to show that he deserves more, that he was prepared and that's what you want from a football player, so I'm very happy for him.
"He deserved to enjoy his game, he had a good connection with the crowd. He was really close to scoring that goal. At the end he fought really hard, he was tired and it has been a good day for him."
Alonso also had praise for a "top, top performance" from one of his midfielders who shone in place of Jordan Henderson.
Mike Penders needed some redemption moments after last weekend – and today he added a great save to Wednesday's efforts.
Chelsea fans were loving another young player today – Estevao got a huge ovation when he was taken off.
