Chelsea, Liverpool Need Caicedo and 5 Other Talking Points From Intense Draw

Chelsea, Liverpool Need Caicedo and 5 Other Talking Points From Intense Draw

Elijah Odetokun
updated at August 13, 2023 at 9:35 PM
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  • Chelsea and Liverpool settled for a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge to open their Premier League campaigns
  • It was an intense affair but Chelsea dominated things and possibly should have won late on
  • Both teams are currently locked in an intense battle for Moises Caicedo and today's game proved why

Chelsea and Liverpool kicked off their Premier League campaigns with a feisty draw at Stamford Bridge - the match lived up to the expectations as both teams had extra boiling at each other.

Luis Diaz got the opening goal after beating debuting goalkeeper Robert Sanchez from close range before another debutant for Chelsea, Axel Disasi, equalised. Both teams had goals ruled out for offside.

Mauricio Pochettino, Jurgen Klopp, Chelsea, Liverpool, Stamford Bridge, Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino and Jurgen Klopp in their tactical areas during the game. Photo by Robins Jones.
Source: Getty Images

Sports Brief looks at six talking points from the game.

1. Both teams need Caicedo

One of the dramas before the game was both teams trying to gazump each other for the signing of Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian has agreed to personal terms with the Blues, but the Reds have an agreement with Brighton for a British record £111m fee, as reported by The Athletic. The Londoners took advantage of the player's position and are negotiating for £115m.

2. Enzo Fernandez is a gem

No one doubted he'd be worth the £106.8m Chelsea paid for him in January. He has been impressive in a poor team since he joined but showed a different side to his game today. He was named the man of the match, and his game stats, as presented by Squawka, justified the selection.

3. Raheem Sterling is a liability

The £50m signing from Manchester City has not impressed since he joined. With passing games, his gameplay becomes more eyesore to watch; he misplaces passes, takes too much time on the ball and runs into opponents like they are training cones. The board upstairs are probably thinking of how to sell him.

4. Pochettino has given Chelsea an identity

Much was said about Mauricio Pochettino's appointment at Chelsea, and despite impressing in pre-season, there were question marks over him. Going by this first game against Liverpool under challenging circumstances. One thing was clear to see; he has given the team an identity, and with few key signings, there would be balance.

5. Liverpool are still struggling

Jurgen Klopp's men struggled last season, and it took a late resurgence to qualify for European places. The major problem came from midfield, and all old and tired legs have left. Fabinho is yet to be replaced, which could disrupt what the team could achieve this season, with cohesion still clearly lacking in the game.

6. James as captaincy is unreliable

Reece James was named the new Chelsea captain, while Ben Chilwell was named the vice. There were questions about James' availability due to his fitness problems. He justified the question marks by walking out with what looked like a knee injury today.

Hazard spotted at Stamford Bridge

Sports Brief reported that Eden Hazard was spotted at Stamford Bridge ahead of the 1-1 draw between his former club and visiting Liverpool.

The Belgian spent seven years at Chelsea but is without a club after Real Madrid terminated his contract. It is unclear yet why he is at the game, but who doesn't like to come to familiar territory in his free time?

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Elijah Odetokun photo
Elijah Odetokun
Elijah Odetokun is Reuters-trained journalist with three years of experience having previously worked at Daily Times Nigeria, OmaSports and El Futbolero.
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