Chelsea, Liverpool stalemate shows need for Caicedo, Spurs held by Brentford

Liverpool’s Brazilian goalkeeper #01 Alisson Becker (L) saves a shot from Chelsea’s Senegalese striker #15 Nicolas Jackson during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in London on August 13, 2023. (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP)

Chelsea and Liverpool had to settle for a 1-1 draw to start their Premier League season on Sunday as Tottenham also drew 2-2 at Brentford as they began life without Harry Kane.

After a week of battling to land the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo for a Premier League record transfer fee, both Chelsea and Liverpool’s need for the Ecuadorian was exposed in an explosive encounter.

Liverpool’s bright start was rewarded when Luis Diaz prodded home the opening goal, but debutant Axel Disasi earned Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino a point on his first game in charge.

“This result makes us believe, that is why I am positive,” said Pochettino.

“That is the beginning, it is the minimum standard and from that we need to go.”

The American executives of both clubs were in attendance at Stamford Bridge ahead of an intense few days of negotiations after Liverpool had a £110 million offer accepted for Caicedo, only for the player to remain keen on a move to Chelsea instead.

After his defensive midfield options were gutted by the departures of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho to Saudi Arabia, Jurgen Klopp named an offensive front six with new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai alongside Cody Gakpo in midfield.

Liverpool settled the better and Mohamed Salah was inches away from opening the scoring when he rattled the crossbar on 12 minutes.

Salah was involved when the Reds did take the lead six minutes later with a brilliant cross that Diaz