Chelsea vs Liverpool: match recap and analysis
The match between Chelsea and Liverpool was a thrilling 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Both teams had goals ruled out by VAR for marginal offsides, as Mohamed Salah and Ben Chilwell were denied by the technology. The result leaves both sides with one point each, as they look to challenge for the title this season.
Liverpool took the lead in the 18th minute, when Luis Diaz scored with a stunning volley from the edge of the box, after a clever flick from Dominik Szoboszlai. The visitors looked dominant in the first half, pressing Chelsea high and creating several chances. Cody Gakpo hit the bar with a curling shot, while Darwin Nunez forced a save from Robert Sanchez.
Chelsea, however, improved after the break, and equalized in the 57th minute, when debutant defender Axel Disasi pounced on a loose ball in the box and fired it past Ben Doak. The hosts then pushed for a winner, with Nicolas Jackson and Levi Colwill testing Doak with long-range efforts. Liverpool also had some opportunities, but Sanchez denied Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister with fine saves.
The match was full of drama and controversy, as both teams had goals disallowed by VAR. In the 71st minute, Salah tapped in a cross from Nunez, but the referee ruled him offside by a hair’s breadth. In the 85th minute, Chilwell had a similar fate, when he volleyed in a cross from Jackson, but he was also marginally offside.
The final whistle brought an end to an exciting and intense encounter, which showcased the quality and ambition of both teams. Chelsea and Liverpool are likely to be among the contenders for the title this season, and they will both hope to improve their performances and results in the next games. They will also be keen to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton, who is reportedly wanted by both clubs to strengthen their midfield.
