Chelsea and Liverpool played out a low-quality mid-table goalless draw at Stamford Bridge but N’Golo Kante excelled on his first start after over seven months out.
The 32-year-old returned after surgery on his hamstring to play under interim manager Bruno Saltor, his third different coach in his last three appearances.
Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic missed Chelsea’s clear-cut chances, leaving them with just a point despite their dominance against Jurgen Klopp’s dismal side.
Chelsea remain 11th in the Premier League and Liverpool stay in 8th.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players in the first game of the post-Graham Potter era.
Kepa Arrizabalaga - 6
The Spain goalkeeper made an early mistake, rushing out when he didn’t need to and inviting a shot from the halfway line from Jordan Henderson. He steadied himself for the rest of the match, collecting crosses and saving the few shots that came his way.
Wesley Fofana - 8
Produced an amazing goal-saving block at the end of the first half from Fabinho. Immaculate in both his ground and aerial duels.
Kalidou Koulibaly - 5
Made two passes directly to Liverpool players in the first half. A mistake in possession early on, passing to Darwin Nunez, but stablised as the match went on.
Marc Cucurella - 6
Produced a strong sliding tackle early on and was a steady perfomer at the back, using the ball in a tidy but unremarkable way. A big recovery after his poor display against Aston Villa last time out.
Reece James - 6
His powerful dribbling got Chelsea out of danger on numerous occasions, helping to break Liverpool’s press. He had a brilliantly-volleyed goal ruled out for offside.
N’Golo Kante - 8
His first action was a wonderful dribble that led to Chelsea winning a free-kick. Repeatedly won the ball back, including in a high area to lead to a Kovacic chance. He almost looked like he hadn’t been away.
Received a standing ovation as he left the field in the 69th minute.
Enzo Fernandez - 6
Marked by Roberto Firmino, he wasn’t as tidy as he would like to be but, as always, you see his quality in moments.
Mateo Kovacic - 5
Unfortunately, a lot of the best chances fell to one of Chelsea’s worst finishers. Kovacic failed to score when one-on-one with Alisson for two chances on either side of half-time.
Ben Chilwell - 6
Chilwell created the chance of the first half but it was wasted by Havertz. The England international wasn’t quite as influential as in his other recent performances but he was still a steady performer.
Joao Felix - 6
As ever with Felix, he produced some nice dribbles and touches but lacked any end product. Wasteful with his first big chance of the match and never looked threatening when he entered Alisson’s box. In fairness, Liverpool were systematically fouling him.
Kai Havertz - 5
The Germany international missed several huge chances, including a close-range one in the first half. He had the ball in the net in the second period but only after a ricochet off his right arm. VAR would rule for offside. Disappointing.
Substitutes
Conor Gallagher - 5
He slotted in fine for Kante but couldn’t play to his world class team-mate’s level, seeing the performance drift late on.
Mykhailo Mudryk - 6
Played at wing-back for the first time, coming on for Chilwell. He looked lively in his brief cameo, but surely this isn’t his future role?
Raheem Sterling - N/A
