Micah Richards encouraged by ‘outstanding’ Chelsea display

Chelsea drew in Mauricio Pochettino's first competitive game in charge

Mauricio Pochettino's side came from behind to earn a well-deserved 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Luis Diaz opened the scoring for the away side after he was on the receiving end of Mohamed Salah's defence-splitting pass before stroking the ball past debutant Robert Sanchez.

Axel Disasi then equalised on his debut for Chelsea, prodding home from close range as Liverpool failed to clear their lines from a set piece.

Chelsea showed more intent in the second half and grew into the game but ultimately neither side could find a winner and were both made to settle for the draw.

After the disappointment of Chelsea's season last time out, Richards felt there was a lot of positives to take away for Pochettino's side as another new era begins in Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "I thought Chelsea were outstanding today.

"Tactically, in the first half, they [Liverpool] couldn't quite work out what to do, Chilwell and Colwill, down that left hand side and Salah had too much space.

"In the second half they grew into the game, the confidence was there.

"We saw a different kind of way that Chelsea can play and I was surprised that they went with five at the back but I am excited by this Chelsea and what they've shown today."

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