Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Thiago Alcantara’s introduction was down to Chelsea’s first-half sending off at Stamford Bridge.
The champions won 2-0 in west London thanks to a brace from Sadio Mane with new signing Thiago brought on for the second period.
Andreas Christensen’s red card at the death of the first period was the catalyst for Thiago’s Premier League debut, said Klopp after the game.
The Spanish midfielder was given his Reds debut for the injured Jordan Henderson and Klopp was delighted with what he saw from his new arrival.
"We know the second half was a different game against 10 men, but I liked our first half already,” Klopp said.
“And I liked the way we tried to find solutions. The way we took a difficult game.
"I was already ready for a positive half-time team talk showing a few pictures were could have done things differently like moving it quicker, passing it quicker, passing easier, stuff like this and then the red card happened and it changed the game.
"We came in and Hendo said he had picked up a knock but wanted to carry on but we said no as we don't take any risks and then we made the decision for Thiago.
“Because even without training, against 10 men, he is pretty much the perfect player on that pitch I would say.
"Everything he did today was completely natural, so the passes he tried to play were natural so it was all good. Nice.
“Clean sheet, Ali saved a penalty, Thiago debut and if Hendo has absolutely nothing [wrong] it is a perfect day."
Thiago only joined on Friday afternoon but the club made sure they confirmed the paperwork so the 29-year-old could feature in the capital.
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