Chelsea produced an improved second-half performance that will leave them feeling disappointed with the 1-1 draw with Liverpool in their Premier League opener on Sunday evening.
It was Liverpool who started very well and deservedly took the lead from Luiz Daiz after one of the passes of the season already from Mohamed Salah. Chelsea looked like they had been rattled when Salah scored Liverpool’s second but VAR intervened after the Egyptian looked to have been marginally offside when Trent Alexander-Arnold played the pass.
Chelsea then recovered from a slow start and the VAR intervention with their own attacking play and Raheem Sterling with some brilliant play led to a corner that eventually produced an Axel Disasi equaliser.
The goal seemed to have woken the home side and saw them score a second from a Ben Chilwell strike but VAR again intervened to rule it out and keep the score at 1- 1 in the first half.
Both sides could have scored before the break but in the seond half, it was Chelsea who looked very potent, pinning Liverpool and threatening to take all three points on the day. Mykhailo Mudryk should have scored late in the second half when he rounded Alison.
World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez particularly looked great and shows why Chelsea are looking to sign Moises Caicedo, as it would allow the Argentine the freedom to unleash his full attacking potential.
The downside to Chelsea’s play was when captain Reece James had to be replaced after appearing to be in some discomfort. Malo Gusto came on for him, the Blues will hope it is nothing serious.
Here is how the Blues were rated after an encouraging 1-1 draw with Liverpool.
1. Robert Sanchez-6.5
Done a job on his debut as Chelsea player. Saved what he had to.
2. Levi Colwill - 5.5
Struggled through out the first half against a brilliant Mo Salah. Would be glad Salah’s goal was called for an off side. Improved in the second half.
3. Axel Disasi -7
Looked to be struggling before turning up to score Chelsea’s first league goal of the season. Looked assured after that. Also would be happy to have scored on his debut.
4. Conor Gallagher-5
The English man always plays with so much will but if his passing was great Chelsea will not be looking to sell him. Looked hesitant in some cases. Improved in the sound half.