At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea and Liverpool battled to a thrilling draw as both teams showed exactly why they are fighting for £110 million Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
Despite a British record contract with Liverpool, Caicedo is more likely to sign with Chelsea due to his desire.
The attacking prowess of both teams was highlighted in a very entertaining game, and the defensive shortcomings revealed why Caicedo has become a highly sought-after target.
Liverpool dominated the first period, with Mohamed Salah hitting the crossbar before setting up Luis Diaz for the game’s first goal after 18 minutes with a beautiful move.
Axel Disasi, a recent addition, scored an equalizer for Chelsea in their opening Premier League match under new manager Mauricio Pochettino after Liverpool failed to clear a set-piece.
Both teams had additional opportunities, with Liverpool’s Alisson making some excellent saves on shots from Ben Chilwell and Nicolas Jackson, but neither was able to score.
Pochettino’s promising debut
Pochettino, the new manager of Chelsea, would have preferred to begin his tenure with a victory, but he had plenty to be happy about as his players bounced back from a rocky start to show several positive signs.
Alisson was the busier goalkeeper in the second half as Chelsea overcame a shaky start, earning warm plaudits from their supporters at the final whistle. Chelsea needs to improve their defense, which is why they are pursuing Caicedo.
Jackson, the new attacker, was strong and diligent while playing left wing-back. Chilwell was a threat moving forward, forcing the Brazilian goalkeeper to make a save and narrowly having a goal disallowed for offside after a video assistance referee intervention.
Pochettino is aware that there is still work to be done, but a point against a Liverpool club aiming to reclaim their former spot at the top of the table would be a respectable start to the new season.
What did you think of Chelsea’s effort? Say something here
How would you rate Liverpool’s performance? Send your thoughts our way.
Responses to Chelsea’s draw with Liverpool in general
Salah’s abrupt departure
After 77 minutes, Salah was unexpectedly replaced by another player by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, and the forward made no effort to hide his displeasure.
Salah had displayed his customary magic in the opening period, hitting the post and then produced a stroke of brilliance to set up Diaz’s goal.
As he made his way to the technical area, he received a lot of puzzled looks. He shrugged and threw his wrist strapping to the ground.
He was a part of a strong Liverpool offensive performance, but it was evident in this game why Klopp wants to recruit a defensive midfielder like Caicedo or Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.
Liverpool were weak at the back despite their offensive threat, and replacement Darwin Nunez nearly won it with a deflected shot in the dying moments.
Even if they thought Salah’s goal in the first half had made it 2-0 before VAR disallowed it for offside, the visitors will still be content with a point.
Although the issues Klopp is attempting to correct are still apparent, at least one more midfield addition appears likely before the transfer season shuts.
Liverpool was upset when Jackson was not given a penalty for a handball, but they really just deserved a point.
