It was a disappointing day for Liverpool on the whole as the Reds faltered courtesy of an inspired Fulham performance that was topped off by a Man of the Match display from striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
The Serb starred as the Cottagers started the new 2022/23 Premier League season on the right foot with an invaluable point collected at home against last season's quadruple chasing team. After an electric start in the first half, the newcomers deservedly went ahead in the 32nd minute as Kenny Tete's cross was met at the far post by Mitrovic who outjumped Trent Alexander-Arnold at the back post.
Something that Chelsea fans were keen to point out as it only took until the first game week of the new campaign for the Reece James and Alexander Arnold debate to kick off on social media. Liverpool did respond in the second half and substitute Darwin Nunez netted his first goal of the campaign with a slightly fortuitous effort after his attempted back-heel effort ricocheted off a Fulham defender and back onto him before flying in.
READ MORE: Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown agree on Chelsea's Premier League chances after 'massive loss'
Fulham's No.9 was soon right back in the action after the first equaliser and his quick feet on the ball drew in Virgil Van Dijk who clumsily gave away a penalty that the record Championship goalscorer from last season tucked away.
With only 15 minutes left, it looked like Fulham were going to steal the headlines but Mohamed Salah was there to bail out his side after Liverpool's No.66 made up for his earlier defensive error with a lovely chipped ball over the top of the Fulham defence.
It wasn't only a significant goal to earn the 2021/22 Champions League finalists a point when defeat stared them in the face, but it meant that the Egyptian levelled a Premier League record that was shared between a serial Chelsea goalscorer, a Man United legend and the league's all-time leading scorer.
As Gary Lineker tweeted: "With the equaliser for Liverpool Mohamed Salah joins Wayne Rooney, Alan Shearer and Frank Lampard with most Premier League goals (8) on the opening day of the season. Another graphic with bloody Shearer on BBC Match of the Day beckons."
READ NEXT:
Chelsea injury news and full squad vs Everton: Cucurella, Sterling, Koulibaly debuts, Kante back
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest updates and rumours from Stamford Bridge
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea face fresh questions after summer of change
Thomas Tuchel gives verdict on Chelsea transfer window amid Wesley Fofana and De Jong bids
