Chelsea managed to recover from an early deficit to finish 1-1 against Liverpool in Sunday's Premier League opener, suggesting that the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino is already paying off. In one of the most anticipated games of the opening weekend, Liverpool took the lead in the 18th minute via a fast break finished by Luis Diaz. Chelsea responded in the 37th minute when debutant Axel Disasi managed to poke the ball home from close range to level the score.
Chelsea came from behind to claim a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in their Premier League opener on Sunday, demonstrating that the Blues have made improvements under new manager Mauricio Pochettino. In the marquee matchup of the Premier League’s opening round, Luis Diaz put Liverpool ahead after a quick counter-attack in the 18th minute, while defender Axel Disasi made his Chelsea debut with a close-range equalizer in the 37th minute of the game.
The first half was an attacking affair with plenty of chances, though VAR intervened to disallow goals for both teams. These defensive lapses highlight the urgency behind the pursuit of Brighton's Moises Caicedo, with both clubs eyeing a price tag exceeding £110 million ($140 million). Ultimately, Caicedo chose the Blues over the Reds—a move that could be more impactful than the draw, given how badly both squads need a defensive midfielder of his quality.
Chelsea appeared to be a transformed side under Pochettino's leadership, playing with a vigor that was absent throughout last season's managerial turmoil. For much of the encounter, the home side dictated the tempo and kept Liverpool at bay, though new striker Nicolas Jackson had a difficult time making a real difference. His most promising moment arrived in the 71st minute when he broke through the defense, only to be denied by a sharp save from Alisson Becker.
Meanwhile, Liverpool's revamped midfield duo of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis MacAllister struggled to control the flow of the game. It seems Jurgen Klopp's side is already feeling the void left by Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, both of whom departed for the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Chelsea remained susceptible to quick transitions, and Mohamed Salah had already hit the woodwork before Liverpool finally scored. It was Salah who initiated the move, squaring the ball for Diaz to slide past Robert Sanchez, the new Chelsea keeper. The Egyptian star nearly doubled the lead in the 29th minute with a brilliant strike, but the goal was ruled out after VAR spotted he was slightly offside.
The equalizer came from an unexpected sequence. After Liverpool cleared a corner twice, Ben Chilwell headed the ball back into the danger zone, allowing Disasi to find an open spot and slot it past Alisson.
Shortly after, Chelsea thought they had taken the lead, but the goal was chalked off for an offside call against Chilwell. Toward the end of the game, Darwin Nunez nearly snatched a late victory for Liverpool with a powerful long-range shot that was deflected just wide in stoppage time. Chelsea had one final dangerous counter-attack, but substitute Mykhailo Mudryk failed to convert after successfully rounding Alisson.