Ignoring the noise off the pitch, Liverpool and Chelsea played out a Premier League opener that exposed their flaws, drawing 1-1 on Sunday.
Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool
Goals
Diaz 18′ (assist – Salah)
Disasi 37′
Two teams who underwent considerable change over the summer, Chelsea and Liverpool kicked off with the visitors the slicker side, their two new signings settling well.
As the Reds looked to put chances away with swift interchanges, though, they were often undone by a sloppy last pass, while Cody Gakpo spurned a great chance to shoot on the break.
There was no wastage from Luis Diaz as he got on the end of a stunning move involving half the team, with Alexis Mac Allister‘s pass releasing Mo Salah for another assist as the Colombian slid it home.
Liverpool’s clinical edge in an end-to-end game continued as Salah blasted in from close range after Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s pass, only to be ruled out for offside.
But there was a fightback from the hosts, with debutant Axel Disasi sweeping in scruffily after Liverpool failed to deal with a set-piece.
Seconds later, Chelsea thought they were 2-1 up, playing easily through midfield and defence for Ben Chilwell to take it round Alisson and finish – thankfully, it was another offside call.
