Chelsea, on Sunday, began the Mauricio Pochettino era with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in a hard-fought encounter at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the Premier League.
Liverpool were dealt an early blow before arriving at Stamford Bridge after Moises Caicedo appeared to turn them down in favour of Chelsea despite agreeing a British record £111 million transfer with Brighton for the midfielder on Friday.
But it was Liverpool that struck first as Luis Diaz ghosted in at the back post to convert Mohamed Salah’s fine through ball after a mix-up in the Chelsea defence to slot home.
Chelsea equalised through debutant defender Axel Disasi – one of four for the new-look Blues – from close-range after a corner.
Salah and Ben Chilwell both had goals ruled out by the VAR for tight offsides in an action-packed first half in which the Liverpool forward struck the bar.
Had Chelsea been more clinical though Pochettino could have been taking home all three points in his first outing as Blues boss.
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Pochettino handed out debuts to Disasi, Robert Sanchez, Levi Colwill, and Nicolas Jackson in his first game in charge of the club.
Kepa Arrizabalaga was not included in the matchday squad as he nears a loan move to Real Madrid.
Liverpool’s midfield duo Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister also made their first competitive appearances for the club.
Speaking after the match, Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, said: “The start was pretty convincing, we scored two wonderful goals, one was disallowed for an offside.
“We opened up the door for Chelsea; we lost the ball in moments where it was difficult to prepare for it. It gave the game a different direction so we were not in control of the game.
“The second half was more open and more chances for Chelsea but we showed up. It was really intense for both teams and it’s a point at Chelsea.
“From my point of view it looked like we helped Chelsea get back in the game.
“Our defensive problems had nothing to do with characteristics of the midfielders, they are a bit more offensive but all of these boys can do what we want them to do.
“We were too deep as a formation and gave the half spaces away. It’s really ok, didn’t decide where our season will go. let’s be positive, this team deserves so much faith and I am really looking forward to the season.”
Pochettino said: “I think we deserved a little bit more overall. We feel pleased, but at the same time disappointed because we wanted to win and we deserved to win, but it is only the beginning.
“We have created a very good way to work here and that is important. It is about belief and about work and to trust each other. The connection from day one has been fantastic.
“The fans were always with us. Even in the difficult moment they were there, they never gave up and always believed in the team and the team felt the energy from the crowd.
“It was difficult from the beginning but how we grew in the game and how we found the way to play and how we started to dominate and push Liverpool deeper and deeper, I am very pleased about everything.
“We need to grow every single day.”
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