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 the tightest of VAR calls to rule out Ben Chilwell’s well-taken effort.

You have to doubt whether last season’s Chelsea would have mustered such a stirring response.

It’s clear Chelsea’s players are buying into Pochettino’s methods. Ask those who played under him at Tottenham - it’s impossible not to. His warmth, his spirit - it’s hard not to like.

That said, the way Pochettino’s first season in charge is perceived will likely fall out of his own control.

That responsibility rests with those in charge of Chelsea’s transfers for the next two-and-a-half weeks.

The central midfielder area, in particular, needs strengthening. Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka were entrusted in Chelsea’s engine room here.

By the time the transfer window closes, only Enzo will likely be deemed first-choice.

Chelsea’s midfield lacks power and presence. Mail Sport understands those deficiencies are part of why the Blues opted to sign 6ft 3ins defender Axel Disasi from Monaco amid Pochettino’s concerns that the team lacked height and dominance in the middle of the park.

The arrival of Moises Caicedo from Brighton can’t come soon enough for Pochettino, though at 5ft 10ins the Ecuador international won't solve the team’s lack of height in central midfield.

Nor will Romeo Lavia, who is just an inch taller than Caicedo, who is also set to join from Southampton.

In attack, Nicolas Jackson looked lively enough and will prove a nuisance to defences, but he lacks the sort of cutting edge finishing required to become a prolific Premier League goalscorer.

Nevertheless, there is already enough in this Chelsea squad for Pochettino to work with.

Levi Colwill, but for a couple lapses, was promising in the heart of Chelsea’s defence; as was Raheem Sterling, who knows he is facing one of the most pivotal season’s of his career.

Enzo looks every inch a £100million-plus footballer.

But what shone through most here was Pochettino’s enthusiasm. On more than one occasion, fourth official David Coote had to warn Pochettino for encroaching into Jurgen Klopp’s technical area as his emotions, his sheer will to win, got the better of him.

The fiercely contorted expression on the Argentine’s face as Disasi scored the first goal of his reign was a picture. The clenched fists. The encouragement. It’s all infectious.

Pochettino is clearly glad to be back in the Premier League. By the look of things, Chelsea supporters should be delighted, too.