Estevao's return to the Chelsea starting lineup against Manchester United served as a timely reminder of what the 19-year-old Brazilian is capable of — and of how much his absence had cost the club in the opening months of the season.

The winger did not get his name on the scoresheet, despite having the ball in the net twice. The first effort was emphatically ruled out by VAR after Estevao had already sprinted to the touchline to embrace manager Xabi Alonso. Yet the performance itself was more than enough to justify the reception he received from the Stamford Bridge crowd.

A statement display at Stamford Bridge

No player in the game recorded more shots or more touches in the opposition box. Estevao also delivered impressive set-piece delivery and created problems for United's defence throughout the 90 minutes.

Alonso acknowledged that Estevao had needed time to build up his fitness after an injury-disrupted first season at the club. But the manager was encouraged by what he saw — not only the attacking threat, but the off-the-ball effort. "He fought really hard and at the end he was tired," Alonso said. "He has had the best response, to show he deserves more, that he was prepared. Very happy for him."

Tracking data backed up the eye test. Estevao hit his highest totals for high-speed runs and overall running distance in what was only his second Premier League appearance of more than 75 minutes. The signs of a player growing into the physical demands of English football are encouraging.

Palmer connection sparks Chelsea attack

Much of the excitement centred on Estevao's combination with Cole Palmer. Estevao had revealed before the game that Palmer told him they would do "great things together" ahead of his arrival last summer, though injuries limited their time on the pitch. Chelsea won only one of the seven games both players started together last season.

Against United, however, the pair looked a natural fit. Palmer exchanged 16 passes with Estevao — a sharp contrast to the two passes he combined with Pedro Neto in his previous start against Tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea's attacking patterns shifted noticeably, with 52 percent of their attacks running through the right flank compared to 36 percent in their previous eight league games.

Estevao's 12 touches inside the opposition box surpassed the season-high tally for any Chelsea player in the Premier League this term, including Joao Pedro. His combined xG and xA average of 0.55 per 90 minutes is the second-highest among Chelsea players since last season began — underlining how his underlying numbers have consistently outpaced his goal and assist returns.

Competition ahead and the road forward

Neto, who has contributed three goals and an assist in the league this season, remains a credible rival for Estevao's place. Joao Pedro's return from injury will add further pressure. And without European football this season, Estevao has fewer opportunities to accumulate minutes — having scored three goals in seven Champions League appearances last term.

Whether Alonso starts him at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Sunday remains to be seen. But the case for more consistent involvement is now difficult to ignore.

Brighton's remarkable running display

Elsewhere, Brighton & Hove Albion's 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium was built on extraordinary physical output. Fabian Hurzeler's side completed 522 high-speed runs — the highest figure recorded by any team in a Premier League game this season, edging Arsenal's 508 against Liverpool.

Pascal Gross was at the heart of it, covering 13.4km — the most ground covered by any player in a single Premier League match this campaign. The feat was all the more remarkable given Brighton had also faced Liverpool at Anfield and travelled to the Etihad for a Carabao Cup tie within the previous six days.

Player to watch this weekend

Nicolas Jackson faces Manchester United on Sunday having scored three times in his last two Premier League outings and eight goals in all competitions since joining Aston Villa in the summer.