Chelsea and Liverpool had to settle for a 1-1 draw to start their Premier League season on Sunday.
After a week of battling to land the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo for a Premier League record transfer fee, both Chelsea and Liverpool’s need for the Ecuadorian was exposed in an explosive encounter.
Liverpool’s bright start was rewarded when Luis Diaz prodded home the opening goal, but debutant Axel Disasi earned Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino a point on his first game in charge.
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The American executives of both clubs were in attendance at Stamford Bridge ahead of an intense few days of negotiations after Liverpool had a £110 million ($A215m) offer accepted for Caicedo, only for the player to remain keen on a move to Chelsea instead.
After his defensive midfield options were gutted by the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia, Jurgen Klopp named an offensive front six with new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai alongside Cody Gakpo in midfield.
Liverpool settled the better and Mohamed Salah was inches away from opening the scoring when he rattled the crossbar on 12 minutes.
Salah was involved when the Reds did take the lead six minutes later with a brilliant cross that Diaz prodded home at the back post.
The Egyptian’s record of scoring on the opening weekend every year of his Liverpool career came to an end, but only due to a VAR review that ruled out a slick finish that would have made it 2-0.
However, the momentum of the game swung after Disasi bundled home Chelsea’s equaliser.
Seconds later Ben Chilwell thought he had turned the game on its head, only for VAR to this time ride to Liverpool’s rescue for offside.
Chances continued to come and go at both ends, but a seventh consecutive clash between the sides ended in a draw.
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Chelsea manager Pochettino said he was disappointed just to take a point from his opening match in charge.
Pochettino took over a side that had finished 12th last season — Chelsea’s lowest finishing position since 1994. And the Argentine believes they will only improve as the season goes on. “Fantastic way to start the season, unbelievable game,” said Pochettino, who previously managed Southampton and Tottenham in the Premier League.
“Overall I think we deserve a little bit more. We feel pleased and at the same time disappointed.
“That is only the beginning and I am so pleased with the performance of the players.
“If we want to be a contender we need to improve in all areas,” added Pochettino.
“It’s time to work all together, once the transfer window closes, to find the best dynamic. This result makes us believe, that is why I am positive.”
Meanwhile, after a bright start the Reds’ defence was easily picked apart with an attack-minded midfield offering little protection.
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“The start was pretty convincing,” said Liverpool boss Klopp.
“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.” However, Klopp insisted he is still “really looking forward” to the season ahead.
Liverpool are aiming to bounce back after missing out on Champions League qualification last season for the first time in seven years.
“Today didn’t decide where our season will go, it’s just important information,” added Klopp. “This team deserve so much trust, they will go for it.”
