The post-Graham Potter era at Stamford Bridge began with a 0-0 draw as Chelsea and Liverpool again proved unable to break the deadlock.
It finished goalless between these two sides at Anfield earlier in the season, as it did in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals after 120 minutes a year ago, and once more the scoresheet was untroubled in Chelsea’s first match since the managerial change. On early evidence, Bruno Saltor in interim charge will not result in a significant upturn in form.
Reece James and Kai Havertz both had goals ruled out, with the Blues much the better side for the majority of the encounter, but that will be little consolation as they remain 11th in the Premier League. The draw is also a further dent to Liverpool’s top-four ambitions.
It was not a first-half full of attacking excitement, but when it came it was almost exclusively from the hosts. Joao Felix had an effort blocked early on, before Mateo Kovacic then went round Alisson and saw his effort cleared off the line by Ibrahima Konate.
Chelsea did find the back of the net, as Reece James lashed home a superb volley midway through the opening period, but the offside flag was raised, and the decision confirmed by VAR, as Enzo Fernandez strayed beyond the last man in the build-up.
Liverpool eventually began to offer a threat, though it was not until first-half stoppage-time. Joe Gomez had an effort from distance saved, before Fabinho’s strike was brilliantly deflected wide by the head of Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea should have taken the lead within a couple of minutes of the restart, though a familiar flaw of poor finishing once again reared its head. N’Golo Kante did really well to play Kovacic clean through on goal, but with only Alisson to beat he blasted a terrible effort miles over the bar.
The Blues once again thought they had taken the lead, as Kai Havertz was the latest man played in. His initial poked effort was kept out, but the bounced back off him and rolled into the empty net. However, VAR ruled out it out as replays showed it had hit Havertz’s arm from the Alisson save.
Neither could find a winner late on, with this yet another performance from both sides that suggested a return to top form is certainly not imminent.
