LEEDS OUTCLASS CHELSEA TO ESCAPE DROP ZONE
Struggling Leeds produced a rousing performance to beat would-be league contenders Chelsea.
The hosts got off to a flying start at a raucous Elland Road. Piling on the pressure from the off, it was only a matter time until they scored, and it was Jaka Bijol who gave them the advantage in the sixth minute, heading in a corner by Anton Stach.
Having switched to a back five, Chelsea struggled to penetrate the Leeds defence, while the home side leapt on opportunities. Ao Tanaka doubled the lead with a stunning strike in the closing minutes of the first half.
Substitute Pedro Neto gave Chelsea hope early on in the second half, despite Leeds maintaining the same energy, and Lukas Nmecha could have scored a third, were it not for Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s offside.
As Chelsea started to raise their attacking game, a defensive nightmare ensued, with Calvert-Lewin making the most of a loose ball in the area to tap home.
Chelsea were not without their opportunities: Cole Palmer made an impact returning to the league after a two-month absence but was not able to find the net.
The result leaves Enzo Maresca’s side in fourth place with Crystal Palace hot on their heels, but will give Leeds huge confidence as they prepare to meet Liverpool in their next match. Meanwhile, Chelsea may have questions to answer about their dependence on Moises Caicedo, who they face a further two matches without.
