Leeds United continued their unbeaten start to the season by scoring a famous victory over the new Chelsea side with a performance that will make Thomas Tuchel nightmares. Chelsea, who spent more than £ 170m on players last summer, were responsible for their demise in the first half.
Edouard Mendy gave Leeds the opening by badly controlling a backpass, allowing Brenden Aaronson to strike.
Four minutes later, Raheem Sterling scored a free kick at the edge of the penalty area and Rodrigo scored his fourth goal of the season on the pitch from Jack Harrison.
But Leeds also beat their opponents, especially in midfield, following the famous historic battles between the two rivals. And they sealed their first Premier League win over Chelsea in seven tries, dating back to 2002, when Harrison scored after Daniel James’ cross was touched by Rodrigo.
An already rugged Elland Road was incredulous at that moment; home fans mocked their Chelsea counterparts and manager Jesse Marsch hit the air with wild glee.
There were opportunities for visitors. Sterling went wide in the first minute and a goal was disallowed, while Marc Cucurella, who signed for £62 million, was also twice off target.
But when Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off for a second yellow card six minutes ahead of time, that summed up Chelsea’s afternoon, allowing Leeds fans to bask in the elation of a great start to the season as their team moved up to second place. in the standings. After Leeds secured their Premier League survival on the final day of last season, losing both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha to Manchester City and Barcelona in the summer, Leeds’ story should be one of how they get on there. would take.
But with boss Marsch making several key signings, there was a team spirit and morale at Leeds that Chelsea could not match. They were helped by a deafening crowd even before kick-off which only grew in volume as the visitors parted ways.
After a positive start that saw Tyler Adams get the upper hand in midfield over Conor Gallagher, who was making his full Chelsea debut, the mood died down in the 33rd minute following Mendy’s error.
Aaronson, signed from RB Salzburg in the summer, had already shown his efforts in midfield and the American chased Thiago Silva’s back pass to open his Leeds account in the easiest way after goalkeeper Mendy kicked the ball in a meter lost in front of the goal. . Four minutes later, Elland Road was in disbelief and Marsch charged over the touchline. Harrison’s set piece caused problems again and Rodrigo doubled United’s lead to become the Premier League’s top scorer with four goals this season.
The second half was all about containment as Chelsea looked for an equaliser. But the Leeds defense were up to the task, with a third goal allowing fans to enjoy a bright day in the Yorkshire sun.
There will certainly be difficult days in the season, but that gives march skeptics something to think about – and the American drew applause from everyone
Chelsea may have been disappointed to walk away with just a point from their last clash gainst Tottenham last Sunday, but many fans were encouraged by the performance. This was a complete contrast as they contributed to their demise, were muscular in midfield and failed to find cohesion in attack despite their vast arsenal of offensive talent.
Manager Tuchel, who is already threatened with disqualification after the Spurs game, could not contain his frustration with his team and Marsch on the sidelines.
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The first half projection was summed up by attracting £ 50 million Sterling. He was bought to be a leader but missed a big chance in the first minute and his attitude of him seemed to be affected by a goal disallowed in similar circumstances after 15 minutes.
And after being shown a yellow card for a stupid foul that led to Rodrigo’s goal, he didn’t really enter the picture. But in reality there have been problems across the board, and there will be concerns from the new owners and Tuchel about a performance that may need to be addressed with further purchases.
Mendy, who has been an excellent player since signing for Chelsea, made an unusual mistake before the opening, but the biggest concern will be Chelsea’s midfield.
Gallagher fought alongside Jorginho and exposed part of the pitch where the Blues missed the injured pair N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
Both midfield holders were replaced after an hour, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek entering and introducing Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic.
But aside from Reece James who saved an Illan Meslier shot, Chelsea failed to create many clear openings as his attack faltered. Tuchel was impracted in shelter and Koulibaly completed a miserable afternoon when he received a second yellow card for the withdrawal of Joe Gelhardt
