Chelsea and Liverpool played out a disappointing 0-0 draw on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge, in which both sides struggled to carve out many clear-cut opportunities in front of goal. 

It was the Blues first game since the departure of Graham Potter, who was sacked on Sunday after lass than seven months in charge – a decision that Kai Havertz described as ‘frustrating. 

Chelsea were much improved in terms of their play under Bruno Saltor in his first game as interim manager, but they could only hold a much-changed Reds side to a fourth consecutive 0-0 draw.

And for two of the club’s most important players in their recent history the game saw very differing outcomes. 

For Mason Mount, who has been linked with numerous clubs as his game time at Stamford Bridge dries up, it was another game without minutes on the pitch, while for N’Golo Kante it was a first start since September – an opportunity he took with both hands to impress Saltor.  

Kai Havertz found the net for Chelsea at the start of the second half but his goal was ruled out for handball

Kai Havertz found the net for Chelsea at the start of the second half but his goal was ruled out for handball

Tuesday was Chelsea's first game since Graham Potter's sacking

Mateo Kovacic missed an excellent chance at the start of the second half after blasting over the crossbar

Tuesday’s clash with Liverpool was Chelsea’s first game since Graham Potter’s sacking

Mason Mount did not make it on during the 95 minutes against Liverpool but was still the last to leave the pitch after the final whistle.

Just as he did following Saturday’s deflating – and defining for former head coach Graham Potter – defeat against Aston Villa, Mount rose from the bench where had been sat for most of the game and made a point of embarking on a lap of the field, applauding all sides of the ground, before heading down the tunnel.

It was a show of appreciation from Mount for Chelsea’s supporters with some having earlier and noticeably rose to their feet to applaud one of their own when he went out to warm up during the first half.

However he was not one of interim head coach Bruno Saltor’s subs so another game passed without Mount being called on.

He has started just one of Chelsea’s last 10 games – being unavailable for four of them due to injury – though there was an additional context to Liverpool’s visit.

The Anfield side are one of Mount’s biggest – but far from only – admirers though there was no chance for the 24 year-old to show just why on Tuesday night.

He has done that in Chelsea’s previous three campaigns under Frank Lampard – watching on yesterday – and Thomas Tuchel, ending the last two as Chelsea’s player of the season.

But this one has undoubtedly been a difficult one. Mount has been unable to hit once again his previous high standards, something he admitted in a recent interview that he has been agonising over and wondering how he can get back to those levels next season.

Mason Mount has now started just one of Chelsea's last 10 games and has attracted interest from elsewhere

Mason Mount has now started just one of Chelsea’s last 10 games and has attracted interest from elsewhere

He has starred under Chelsea' last three managers and ended the last two campaigns as player of the season

He has starred under Chelsea’ last three managers and ended the last two campaigns as player of the season

All of this season’s uncertainty have been factors. The disruption of all the changes at his boyhood club since the arrival of new owners, the unsettling impact on a young player caused by doubts about his future.

Mount’s contract is up next summer and Chelsea have put talks, which last took place in January, on hold until the summer.

While the door has not been shut on the possibility of an extension being agreed, Chelsea are also ready to sell if a compromise is not reached this summer.

The increasing prospect of having to leave the beloved club he has been at for 18 years will no doubt be affecting and troubling academy product Mount.

At the same time, so too will many other factors including concerns about how he is valued by the club after that service and his contribution, his standing and how that is reflected in any contract offers.

At the start of his lap of appreciation Mount had an embrace and conversation with Andy Robertson before a briefer exchange with Joe Gomez. It’s not inconceivable they are teammates next season.

His focus now though is on forcing his way back into Chelsea’s team, contributing to the remainder of their season and getting onto the pitch far more than he has been able to of late.

The departure of the former Brighton boss did not see an immediate return to the fold for the English midfielder

The departure of the former Brighton boss did not see an immediate return to the fold for the English midfielder 

If Graham Potter could bring himself to sit through this goalless draw, the sight of one player in particular in full flow might have left him wondering what might have been.

Chelsea’s injury woes during his reign summed up Potter’s bad luck and N’Golo Kante’s absence for almost the entirety of his reign was one of his biggest handicaps.

Kante played just 33 minutes for Potter having suffered a serious hamstring injury in August.

His interim replacement Bruno Saltor has already had the influential French midfielder available for longer, being able to start and play him for 70 minutes, both luxuries Potter never had.

It was an excellent 70 minutes in which Kante was everywhere, just like old times, his spell out dulling none of his qualities. All things considered his fitness levels looked impressive. Should there really have been any doubt?

N'Golo Kante made his first start since September on Tuesday after having his season ravaged by injury

N’Golo Kante made his first start since September on Tuesday after having his season ravaged by injury

At one stage he was defending in Chelsea’s right back area and not long after found himself as their most advanced player, playing in the midfield three giving him added licence to get forward.

There were a few bursts down the right wing and, of course, repeated displays of his trademark sensing of danger and snuffing it out in front of his own box.

‘About NG, it’s a massive impact for the boys, you could see for the fans as well. He makes players around him even better,’ Bruno said.

Who knows how different things might have been had Potter been able to benefit from the Kante effect.

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Post source: Daily mail

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