Mauricio Pochettino’s first match in charge was proof of Chelsea’s big ambitions this season.
Fight, hunger and energy were fuelled by a positive mindset and youthful optimism, as they hit back after going behind against Liverpool.
Chelsea had a difficult opening 20 minutes which ended with Mohamed Salah producing a stunning touch, dribble and cross for Luis Diaz to score the opener.
Last season, Chelsea might have crumbled after an early setback. But they quickly got to grips with a late tactical switch from Pochettino, who started with a back three instead of the back four they have used throughout pre-season.
Fears that Chelsea are short in midfield, inexperienced and possess a potential lack of quality were quickly dispelled, as Axel Disasi equalised after Ben Chilwell kept a corner alive.
Disasi was one of four starting debutants who grew into the match, with a further two debuts coming from the bench for a new-look Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez started and looked assured in place of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who has completed his loan move to Real Madrid.
Disasi played alongside Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill in a surprise back three. The trio had never played together before and Colwill initially looked exposed against Salah. But Colwill stuck to his task and began to dominate Salah, who reacted angrily after being substituted by Klopp after 77 minutes.
“It took us a while to catch on at the start but second half it started working,” said Colwill. “When Salah jumped to press Thiago [Silva] I was the free man and it worked like that. It was a good decision from the gaffer. Pochettino is a world-class manager and you’ve seen how we played here today, it has been a big step up from last season.”
Reece James captained Chelsea for the first time and dominated Liverpool’s weak-looking left flank. There was some concern when James was substituted in the second half, but Pochettino said the right-back was being managed back after injuries last season.
Enzo Fernandez excelled in midfield, producing one of his best performances since his £107million January move from Benfica. He was far more advanced than last season and set the tone with his aggressive attitude on the pitch. Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, produced a strong defensive display as he fights for his Chelsea future, winning the ball back more times than any other player.
Chelsea outgunned Liverpool in midfield, with Carney Chukwuemeka, Fernandez and Gallagher helping Chelsea to 64.7 per cent possession, their highest ever against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Klopp’s new-look midfield trio of Coady Gakpo, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai struggled. Liverpool looked like they needed Moises Caicedo more than Chelsea, and missing out on the Brighton midfielder is a major blow for Klopp.
Sterling and Jackson both could have scored but were excellent building up attacks, with Mykhailo Mudryk also missing a one-on-one after being brought on from the bench. Lesley Ugochukwu and Malo Gusto had late cameos as they made their debuts.
Pochettino has spoken of wanting to instil his “principles and philosophy” and there were clear signs of encouragement yesterday. Not only did his players respond, but the home fans were more involved as they responded to an energetic, hard-working display.
Pochettino wants his players to forget about last season and aim for trophies. Asked what the target is for Chelsea in their first season under Pochettino, Colwill said: “What can’t we do? It is as simple as that. Everyone needs to believe.
“We’ve got young, hungry players. Everyone has got a point to prove. It is going to be an exciting season. We all need confidence to go into every game thinking that we can win and we will see at the end of the season what happens.”
Chelsea legend Eden Hazard was at Stamford Bridge and he and Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly looked pleased after an entertaining game. Boehly went into the Chelsea dressing room following the game, after Pochettino gave him the green light to speak to the team.
Pochettino already has Chelsea looking like a much-better side. The arrival of £115m Caicedo and likely further reinforcements could be key to their prospects this season, but this was a positive start.
