Liverpool had to settle for a point in their opening game of the 2023/24 season as they came up against a rejuvenated Chelsea.
Luis Diaz stretched to prod the visitors in front inside 20 minutes, before Axel Disasi struck a debut goal to level later in the first half. It remained 1-1 but Chelsea enjoyed the better of the second half, but couldn’t find the winner.
Dominic Booth rates the Liverpool players at Stamford Bridge...
Alisson 7
Largely untested for the opening 35 minutes. Big save from Ben Chilwell after the break, then stood firm to deny Nicolas Jackon. Typically totemic.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 6
Nominally stationed at right-back, but tended to roam at times and had the odd defensive lapse. Booked for time-wasting.
Ibrahima Konate 6
Good first half but ragged at times, especially as Chelsea improved as the game wore on. Just about kept the forceful Jackson at bay.
Virgil van Dijk 6
Unflustered for long periods. Smacked a long-ranger over early in the second half but was exposed and needed more from those in front of him.
Andy Robertson 5
Struggled to get to grips with the combination of Raheem Sterling and Reece James down the Chelsea right.
Alexis Mac Allister 7
Asked to play deep on his club debut and was exceptionally neat and tidy in possession. A major plus point for the Reds.
Dominik Szoboszlai 6
Weak clearing header led to the Disasi goal, a little quieter on debut than some fans would have liked.
Cody Gakpo 5
Playing in midfield and too often a passenger, albeit he drove Liverpool forward at times, was an obvious sacrifice for a genuine midfielder in Jones.
Luis Diaz 6
Timed his run to stretch and score on 18 minutes; almost scored another with an early second half header but then faded and was removed.
Diogo Jota 4
Failed to impose himself on a new-look Chelsea defence and squandered a couple of decent openings. Might have got a knock, but deservedly taken off.
Mo Salah 7
Electric early on. Struck the crossbar, then fed Diaz with a perfect pass. Denied his customary opening day goal by a VAR offside check, then subbed off much to his chagrin.
Subs
Curtis Jones (Jota 66’) 6
Asked to beef up the midfield and had some good moments on the ball.
Darwin Nunez (Gakpo 66’) 5
Suffered due to a lack of service. Curled an added time strike just wide.
Harvey Elliot (Salah 77’) 7
A bright presence once he arrived, brought his side back into the contest.
Ben Doak (Diaz 77’) 6
A surprise introduction given his youth, but looked to combine with Elliott straight away.
Not used: Kelleher, McConnell, Tsimikas, Gomez, Matip.
