Mauricio Pochettino showed exactly what he is trying to build in his first match as Chelsea manager, but it also felt like a work in progress against Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side showed their excellence as Mohammed Salah crossed for Luis Diaz to score a superb opener early on. Axel Disasi, one of six debutants at Stamford Bridge, bundled home to equalise before the break.
Chelsea were unlucky not to find a winner having been in the ascendancy in the second half but missed a host of late chances, including Mykhailo Mudryk’s one-on-one in stoppage time.
Who needs Caicedo more?
Chelsea started with Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka in midfield as talks continue over a fee to secure Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
It was a tense week leading up to the match, as Liverpool hijacked Chelsea’s approach for Caicedo to agree a £111million fee on Friday. Chelsea’s summer feels like it will be defined by whether they secure Caicedo or not. However, Liverpool looked more lacking in midfield as they opened their season.
Enzo Fernandez was exceptional and won man of the match in arguably his best display in a Chelsea shirt. Gallagher was outstanding defensively and Chukwuemeka was also bright.
Liverpool, however, were poor defensively and hung on at the end. Cody Gakpo looked poor defensively as a no8 as Chelsea overpowered Klopp’s makeshift midfield.
Chelsea are now ahead for not only Caicedo but also Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, as Todd Boehly and Liverpool owner John W. Henry watched on at Stamford Bridge.
Disasi’s positive debut
The 25-year-old was a surprise selection on Sunday having not played under Pochettino in pre-season.
He did, however, compete well and scored the equaliser having been caught out of position for Luis Diaz’s opener.
It was a mixed display but, in the circumstances, he can be proud of his efforts against one of England’s most potent attacks.
James excels as captain
Reece James admitted in his programme notes that taking the captaincy came sooner than expected.
The 23-year-old led his team out at Stamford Bridge and proved Chelsea’s most dangerous player, alongside fellow wing-back Ben Chilwell.
Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling and Chilwell all missed chances created by their captain, as he dominated Liverpool’s weak left side.
Sterling also excelled linking up with James, who unfortunately came off with what appeared to be a minor injury in the final 15 minutes.
