Blues fans overwhelmingly voted for Estevao as our Player of the Match on the Chelsea Official App, with 73 per cent opting for the winger after another terrific outing.

For the first time since he joined Chelsea, Estevao started on the left flank, with Pedro Neto lining up on the opposite side. It was Estevao’s first start since the fourth round of the Cup, when he scored away to Hull City.

On Saturday, much of our play in the first half came down the right flank, including for goals two and three, so it was Neto who was initially the more heavily involved.

Switching sides pays off

That duo switched at half-time, and our 18-year-old star came alive in the second period: he hit the woodwork twice, assisted Andrey Santos’s header and then got the goal his performance deserved late on.

Indeed, Estevao had earned the luck that came his way when Alejandro Garnacho’s effort hit the post and ricocheted back into his path with 81 minutes on the clock. It was one of three big chances he had as he asserted his influence on proceedings, and the fourth of a game-high four attempts he mustered. Two hit the target, and the other two the woodwork.

Estevao’s involvement in dangerous areas is highlighted by the fact he registered ten touches in the opposition box, more than any other player on the pitch. His 18 passes in the final third was almost half of the total number he played (43), underlining how forward thinking he was.

Creative in possession

As well as posing a threat in front of goal, Estevao worked hard to open up space and lay on opportunities for his team-mates.

His four dribbles was a figure bettered only by Neto’s five, while he created a game-high four chances, one of which – his perfectly-weighted and directed corner – was converted by Santos.

Estevao linked up most frequently with his compatriot Santos, and he also flourished working alongside Gusto in the second half, with the Blues directing 40 per cent of our attacks down the right flank over the course of the 90 minutes, in contrast to 25 per cent down the left.

Too hot to handle

Against League One opposition that were always going to impose their physicality on the game, Estevao showed no fear in getting stuck in. He won possession back on five occasions, more often than anyone else in blue, and was also the most fouled player on the pitch as the Valiants struggled to handle his skill and speed.

Estevao had the Stamford Bridge faithful on their feet time and again, and it was his name that was sung the most often as we attacked the Matthew Harding Stand, the Blues fans overjoyed to see one of their favourites back on home soil.

His performance – and the fact he completed the 90 minutes on his return to the side - augurs well for the vital weeks that remain of Estevao’s maiden campaign at Chelsea.