Chelsea ratings: Debutant Disasi impresses in Liverpool draw as Gallagher’s struggle shows need for Caicedo transfer
CHELSEA began life under Mauricio Pochettino with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring in the 18th minute, finishing from close range after being picked out brilliantly by Mo Salah.
Salah then thought he had doubled Liverpool‘s lead, before VAR ruled the goal out for a tight offside call.
Chelsea levelled eight minutes before half-time as Axel Disasi found the back of the net on his debut for the club, but Ben Chilwell’s strike was then ruled out following another offside check.
Here is how SunSport’s Dylan Terry saw the performances of the Chelsea players.
Robert Sanchez – 6
Could not do anything to prevent Diaz from sliding Liverpool in front from close range.
Did very little wrong during the 90 minutes. A solid debut for the Spaniard.
Axel Disasi – 8
His performance will be remembered for a crucial debut goal that came just as the Stamford Bridge crowd was growing frustrated.
Defensively found it difficult in the opening stages but grew into the game and looked assured as the match wore on.
Thiago Silva – 7
It was clear as day that he was the most experienced Chelsea centre-back on the pitch as he organised Disasi and the struggling Colwill early on.
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A very solid performance from the evergreen Brazilian who turns 39 next month.
Levi Colwill – 5
Looked exposed whenever Liverpool came forward as he failed to deal with Salah’s movement and speed.
Had no help from Chilwell, but will need to improve in one-on-one duels if Pochettino is going to persist with a back three.
Appeared to be a little more composed in the second half as Chelsea grew into the game.
Reece James – 7
All the joy Chelsea received early on came through James and Sterling down the right.
But then the new Blues captain was caught napping as he failed to track Diaz who tucked home the opener.
Recovered well in the second half and looked threatening as Diaz and Robertson were forced back.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Linked up brilliantly with Sterling before seeing his effort saved by Alisson in the first half.
Playing further forward than last year, he showed his quality with a number of superb passes.
Will almost certainly be Chelsea’s most important player this season.
Conor Gallagher – 5
Was given the role of shielding Chelsea’s back three as Fernandez and Chukwuemeka pushed higher up the pitch, but looked exposed a number of times.
Struggled to deal with Liverpool’s front three dropping in between the lines, as well as forward runs from Szoboszlai and Mac Allister.
Put in a hell of a shift but the quality and technical skill was lacking. Shows why Chelsea are in the market for Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
Carney Chukwuemeka – 8
Booked just four minutes in for a nasty-looking high boot on Ibrahima Konate.
But after that he produced a superb display in that No8 role alongside Fernandez.
Very assured in possession, linking defence and attack on several occasions.
Ben Chilwell – 6
Left Colwill horribly chasing shadows up against Salah, but was one of Chelsea’s main attacking outlets going forward.
Denied a goal by a marginal offside and then another by Alisson after half time.
Raheem Sterling – 7
Looked really dangerous down the right flank linking up with James and Jackson in the middle.
His skill and acceleration caused all sorts of problems for Robertson and Van Dijk.
Faded as the match progressed.
Nicolas Jackson – 7
Full of energy, pressing the Liverpool back four and tracking back to recover possession.
Fired a good chance over the crossbar just before the break. Needs refining in front of goal but his all-round play was positive.
Fortunate not to give away a penalty after the ball struck his arm in the box from a corner.
Subs
Malo Gusto (for James, 77 mins) – 5
Failed to offer the same kind of attacking threat James was provided.
Ian Maatsen (for Chukwuemeka, 81 mins) – 6
Kept the ball ticking over but struggled to make too much of an impact as the game became stretched.
Mykhailo Mudryk (for Sterling, 81 mins) – 6
Looked very lively when he came on – if still a bit erratic. Missed a good opportunity in stoppage time.
Lesley Ugochukwu (for Chilwell, 90 mins) – N/A
Unused subs: Bergstrom, Cucurella, Santos, Madueke, Burstow.