Pochettino looked the perfect man for the job in Reds draw, writes SAMI MOKBEL
The signs of improvement were undeniable for Chelsea. Passion and spirit, but most pertinently of all: a clear plan.
After watching this, you’d have forgiven the Blues’ American ownership for thinking they’d have avoided last season’s debacle had they taken the decision to appoint Mauricio Pochettino then.
It’s no secret the Argentine was second-choice to Graham Potter, who was eventually appointed as Thomas Tuchel’s replacement in September, following the German’s sudden sacking.
Life under Potter won’t be remembered particularly fondly by those with Chelsea connections; the team slumped into an uncontrollable spiral under his stewardship.
Potter shouldn’t shoulder the full blame for Chelsea’s annus horrilbilis. Co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly have been maligned - and rightly so - for the decisions they have made, particularly regarding the club’s kamikaze approach to recruitment.
But in appointing Pochettino, they look to have got a big decision right.
The Argentine certainly looked the part on his big day, suited and booted in a sharp navy suit that looked like it was expertly cut just short walk away on the Kings Road - the capital’s fashion Mecca.
Chelsea’s rebuild under Pochettino is a work in progress - but there were enough clues here to suggest it won’t necessarily be a slow or painful one.
Of course, it’d be wise to reserve full judgment until later in the season. Football comes at you fast; Pochettino knows that all too well.
This was just the start, yet there was enough positivity from Pochettino’s first competitive game in charge to indicate an upward trajectory.
Falling behind to Luis Diaz’ strike, Chelsea didn’t cave. They rallied. They equalised.
They’d have taken the lead had it not been for
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