Axel Disasi scores in his first game for Chelsea against Liverpool leads to draw

Posted : 13 August 2023

Chelsea and Liverpool engaged in a captivating draw at Stamford Bridge, providing a clear illustration of why they're competing for the signature of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, valued at £110 million.

While Liverpool secured a British record deal for the Ecuadorian player, Caicedo's preference leans towards Chelsea, making his eventual move likely.

The exhilarating match showcased the attacking prowess of both teams, while the defensive vulnerabilities highlighted why Caicedo has become such a coveted target.

Liverpool dominated the early phases, with Mohamed Salah hitting the crossbar before providing an exquisite pass that led to Luis Diaz's 18th-minute goal.

In their inaugural Premier League fixture under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea responded, equalizing through summer signing Axel Disasi's close-range strike following Liverpool's failure to clear a set-piece.

Both teams had opportunities to secure victory, including Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson making crucial saves against Ben Chilwell and Nicolas Jackson. However, neither side could find the elusive winner.

Pochettino, at the helm of Chelsea, aimed for a victorious start to his tenure, but the team's resilience in recovering from a shaky beginning was encouraging. Despite needing defensive improvements, hence the pursuit of Caicedo, Chelsea exhibited character by turning the tables in the second half and earning applause from their fans at the final whistle.

Newcomer striker Jackson displayed power and industriousness, while left wing-back Chilwell proved threatening in attack. Chilwell's efforts resulted in a save from the Brazilian goalkeeper and a narrowly disallowed goal after VAR intervention.

While Pochettino recognizes the ongoing challenges, earning a point against a determined Liverpool side seeking to regain their former top-of-the-table position marked a solid start to the campaign.

In a surprising move, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp substituted Salah in the 77th minute, prompting the forward to openly express his discontent.

Salah's first-half brilliance, including hitting the crossbar and assisting Diaz's goal, made his substitution perplexing. His visible frustration as he walked towards the technical area, coupled with his gestures, raised questions.

Although Liverpool displayed a potent attacking display, the game underscored Klopp's intention to bolster the midfield defensively with Caicedo or Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

Despite their attacking prowess, Liverpool exhibited defensive vulnerabilities. Substitute Darwin Nunez almost secured a last-second victory, but their flaws remain evident.

Liverpool disputed the absence of a penalty call for handball against Jackson, yet a point seemed a fair outcome for both teams.

Axel Disasi scores in his first game for Chelsea against Liverpool leads to draw

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