Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool: Axel Disasi strikes on debut as Mauricio Pochettino begins Blues tenure with draw
Axel Disasi struck on his debut as Chelsea claimed a 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool in Mauricio Pochettino’s first Premier League match in charge of The Blues.
The Merseysiders made the brighter start and deservedly led on 18 minutes when Luis Diaz slid home Mo Salah’s exquisite pass.
The Egyptian then had a goal chalked off for offside by VAR before The Blues levelled when £38.5 million summer signing from Monaco, Disasi, stabbed in Ben Chilwell’s knock-on on 37 minutes.
Chilwell almost completed a fine first-half recovery two minutes later, but he too had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside after rounding Alisson and tucking into an empty net.
Chelsea dominated throughout the second period but could not find a way through with Chilwell and another debutant, Nicolas Jackson denied by the brilliant Alisson.
Next up, Liverpool host Bournemouth on Saturday while Chelsea visit West Ham on Sunday.
Talking Point – Off-the-field drama takes back seat but Liverpool and Chelsea ultimately demonstrate why they are still hoping to bolster their squads
The Moises Caicedo saga rumbles on with Chelsea still the heavy favourites to secure his signature. The timing of this showdown offered a chance to focus on some actual football but at the end of play, discussion will centre upon just why both teams are hoping to do more business before the summer market shuts.
Liverpool lined up without a defensive midfielder and the performance exemplified just why they are desperate to bring in the likes of Caicedo or Romeo Lavia. Indeed, the club’s owner John Henry was in the Stamford Bridge stands to witness the team struggle to keep the hosts at bay when they countered at speed, and he will leave well aware of where they need to improve.
Chelsea’s midfield issues were less conspicuous with Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher hugely impressive throughout the contest. Instead, the same issues in attack that blighted last season appear to be their major concern with the hosts failing to make the most of some excellent second-half opportunities.
Pochettino will be the more satisfied of the two managers and will feel his team deserved to win while Jurgen Klopp and co. still need to iron out the creases in a system that leaves them looking fragile at the back far too frequently.
Player of the match – Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
The 23-year-old overcame a tricky start, growing into the game and helping to nullify what had been a serious threat in the shape of Mo Salah. The England international’s future at the Bridge remains uncertain but with industrious performances like this, Pochettino may be increasingly keen to keep hold of him given what he regards as limited midfield options.
Player Ratings
CHELSEA: Sanchez 7, Disasi 8, Colwill 7, Silva 8, James 8, Chilwell 8, Fernandez 8, Gallagher 8*, Sterling 7, Chukwuemeka 6, Jackson 6. Subs: Gusto 6, Mudryk n/a, Maatsen n/a, Ugochukwu n/a.
LIVERPOOL: Alisson 8, Robertson 6, Van Dijk 7, Konate 8, Alexander-Arnold 6, Mac Allister 6, Szoboszlai 7, Gakpo 6, Jota 5, Salah 7, Diaz 7. Subs: Nunez 7, Jones 7, Elliott 7, Doak 6.
Match Highlights
12’ – LIVERPOOL HIT THE WOODWORK! Fernandez gets into space on the right side of the area but sees his dangerous, low shot blocked by Konate. Liverpool counter at speed and almost snare the lead. Diaz and Gakpo combine to tee up Salah whose 20-yard strike comes back off the crossbar.
18’ – GOAL! – Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool. Diaz slides in to open the scoring after a brilliant run and slide-rule pass from Salah.
37’ – GOAL! – Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool. Debut-boy Disasi scrambles in a leveller from close range after Chilwell had nodded back into the penalty area from a half-cleared corner.
43’ – CHELSEA CHANCE! Jackson skies a first-time shot over the bar from eight yards out after more wonderful play down the right by James.
55’ – CHELSEA CHANCE! Chilwell’s first touch lets him down and he has to stretch to fire in a shot that Alisson parries. The Blues full back was picked out in acres of space by Fernandez but couldn’t make it count.
71’ – CHELSEA CHANCE! Poor play from TAA allows Chelsea to spring forward at pace. Jackson surges free in the left channel but can’t squeeze his shot past Alisson.
90+3’ – LIVERPOOL CHANCE! Nunez darts in from the right and lets rip with a sizzling shot that deflects inches wide of the far post.
Key Stats
- Salah has been directly involved in 12 goals in seven appearances on MD1 of a Premier League season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists.
- Disasi’s goal against Liverpool made him the first French defender to score on his Premier League debut.
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