Chelsea vs. Liverpool is a tale as old as times. While recent encounters between the two have left not only their fans but also the neutrals demanding more, this opening 1-1 clash between the two delivered in terms of entertainment. For example, the two disallowed goals in the first half, the handball incident, the intriguing reaction from Salah and the late drama of a winner definitely ended some people’s view on the El Shitico (Chelsea vs. Liverpool) derby.
5 Things We Learn From Chelsea vs. Liverpool
Solid Defensive Display From Both Teams
While Chelsea vs. Liverpool has not always been a high-scoring game, many Chelsea fans were speculative about the defensive lineup featuring a youngster, a senior and a debutant. However, the decision paid off, as the three were solid individually and as a unit as they limited chances from Liverpool, barring the sensational opening pass from Salah to Diaz.
The central figures of Liverpool’s defence came under question at the end of last season, but it was nothing short of rock solid today. The display from newly-appointed captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté especially gives the fans hope for more shutouts this season, despite a characteristic error from Alexander-Arnold leading to the equaliser in the Chelsea vs. Liverpool match.
Related: Pochettino’s Chelsea Triumph in the Premier League Summer Series 2023
MOTM Performance From Enzo Fernández
After his memorable world cup run with Argentina, many Chelsea fans expected the same passion and commitment from Enzo Fernández, but he was somewhat muted last season under Frank Lampard. In addition, with the departure of the Champions League-winning trio, Kovačić-Kanté-Jorginho, he has even more added pressure now to serve as the engine room for Chelsea.
However, he seem to thrive on that pressure as he played arguably his best game in a Chelsea shirt in this Chelsea vs. Liverpool encounter. He was class on the ball and was a willing tracker off it as he dominated the midfield encounter against his compatriot Mac Allister. While this performance does not pay back the £107 million Chelsea bought him more, it does give insight into why the club bought him for the figure.
Axel Disasi Continues the Brilliant Displays From Debutants
Despite a plethora of news regarding Matchday 1 of the Premier League, the performance of debutants seems to be the main topic of discussion as many impress on their first outing for their new club. For example, João Pedro scored in his debut for Brighton, while Bernd Leno made 9 saves to help Fulham to secure an away win at Everton.
On Sunday, the notion got even more compelling as Harvey Barnes and James Maddison delivered brilliant displays for their new clubs. For instance, Barnes got an assist and a goal, while Maddison recorded two assists. Axel Disasi was the latest to join the list of brilliant debutant displays as he scored the equaliser in the Chelsea vs. Liverpool match. While he was at fault for the opening goal from Liverpool, his overall performance made him worthy of continuing the legacy of the number 2 shirt of Chelsea.
Also Read: Chelsea’s New Signing Christopher Nkunku Ruled Out Until December 2023 After Tragic Knee Injury
Dispute Between Salah and Klopp?
After a quiet second-half display from his team, Jürgen Klopp had enough and decided to shift things around. However, his changes invertedly created the main highlight of the second half of Chelsea vs. Liverpool, as Salah was visibly furious about his substitution. The action caught it live as the Egyptian King angrily removed the tape from his wrists and threw it to the ground before heading to the sub’s bench. In fact, he and Klopp did not even exchange a handshake as he came off.
When asked about Salah’s reaction to his decision, Klopp downplayed the situation and stated it was absolutely okay as he has never remembered Salah coming off happily before scoring. While we can understand the arguments of needing fresher legs, it does put the question of why Salah? Why substitute your best player and a player hungry for a new record?
Overprotection on Referees?
The new Premier League season has not only brought a season of excitement but also a new set of rules. While we love the enforced regulation regarding players’ wasting time during throw-ins, there is still a debate about booking players for talking back and their reactions to the referee’s decision.
For example, in the Chelsea vs. Liverpool match, Nicolas Jackson and Mac Allister were both booked for wanting a yellow card for their respective challenge on them. However, this was not the funniest part, as the players committing the challenge managed to escape scot-free for their crimes. While we can understand players in this modern age like to referee the game themselves, not being to challenge the official’s decision seems too lenient for the refs. Cue the famous De Bruyne clip.
“LET ME TALK. LET ME TALK! LET ME TALK!!!”
When Kevin De Bruyne wants to speak, you better let him.
Intense. Brilliant. The best midfielder in the world?#Club2020 pic.twitter.com/AsFVcaaOS6
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 7, 2020
Moisés Caicedo Is Finally a Blue
While many people’s attention was on the pitch of Chelsea vs. Liverpool, the Chelsea vs. Liverpool battle off the pitch was equally intriguing, as the two clubs battle for the signature of Moisés Caicedo. After a transfer saga that seems to adopt from a love triangle drama, Caicedo finally has his wish and will join Chelsea on a £100 million deal with £15m in performance-related add-ons.
If the medical today is a success, Caicedo will join Chelsea on an eight-year deal until 2031 with an option of extending to 2032, making him a part of the 8-year contract club with Enzo Fernández.
BREAKING: Moisés Caicedo to Chelsea, here we go! Agreement reached and sealed right now — it’s gonna British record transfer fee 🚨🔵🇪🇨 #CFC
£115m fee plus sell-on clause included for Brighton.
Medical tests, booked.
Caicedo will sign until June 2031 with option until 2032. pic.twitter.com/7O8whsRLdK
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2023
