Chelsea’s new coach, Mauricio Pochettino, watched his rebuilt squad stage a thrilling comeback to get a 1-1 draw against Liverpool in their Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge on August 13, Sunday. Axel Disasi, a debutant defender, stopped Liverpool’s Luis Diaz’s early shot.
Diaz seems desperate to spoil Pochettino’s first official match as Chelsea manager. In the 18th minute, a stunning defensive break by Mohamed Salah allowed Diaz to outstretch a foot and convert in a lightning-fast counter-attack.
With a goal just over 10 minutes later, Liverpool took to increase their lead. However, Salah was called offside before he could challenge Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who was making his debut with four other Blues starters.
Chelsea’s determination paid off as they equalized in the 37th minute. Liverpool’s failure to clear a corner allowed French international Axel Disasi to take advantage of the situation. Disasi, who joined AS Monaco earlier this month, scored from close range after Ben Chilwell’s jumping header.
Chilwell outplayed Liverpool goalkeeper Alison Becker two minutes after the equalizer to score another goal, but VAR ruled her offside. Chelsea had the most possession after the first half but failed to turn it into a second goal. A deflected attempt by Liverpool substitute Darwin Nunez near the final minute of the game nearly sealed the victory.