Chelsea Shocked by Relegation-Threatened Leeds in 3–1 Defeat
Leeds United pulled off an impressive display this past Wednesday, defeating Chelsea 3-1 at home and lifting their club out of the relegation zone in the Premier League.
Leeds were the first on the board when center back Jaka Bijol netted his first goal with the team with a header from a corner taken by Anton Stach in the 24th minute. Then, right before halftime, Ao Tanaka, with his first of the League, scored a low, accurate shot squeeking past the Chelsea Goalkeeper and their team heading into the break with the home advantage.
Coming off a 3-0 win against Barcelona and a 1-1 draw against Arsenal, Chelsea had their confidence boosted. Chelsea was then the first to score in the 2nd half but not because of their intensity. Samurai Blue then doubled the lead when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored with a right footed shot from a loose ball. It was too late and Leeds were victors of this encounter with Chelsea. This loss proved how Chelsea did not keep the intensity as Leeds did.
The atmosphere reflected the rivalry opposing sides since the late 60’s. Leeds were the first team to threaten the game. They swarmed Chelsea threatening chances and took several prior to the 39th minute in which Chelsea were able to generate their first chance on net.
Leeds lost their last two games in the last 3 games and were determined not to repeat it. Nmecha lost a goal because of offside which was the result of a glorious 25 yard strike by Tanaka and was a result of Nmecha’s turnover winning.
Chelsea’s substitute and 1st game since September 20th, Palmer, failed to gain traction in the game and netted a goal on a clear chance by Garnacho. Leeds was able to obtain several chances to score the third goal which would have been a dominant score.
With the win, Leeds was able to take the pressure off of their coach Daniel as it was his first win in over a month and with the Chelsea loss they move farther behind the top teams and their record stays poor with just over 10% wins in 49 visits to Elland Road.