Chelsea 3-1 Leeds United
Chelsea have gone one point clear of top spot in the Premier League for the time being as they came back to beat Leeds United 3-1 in front of a returning crowd at Stamford Bridge.
Former Chelsea striker Patrick Bamford had put the visitors in front early on, but the Blues fought back with goals from Olivier Giroud, Kurt Zouma, and Christian Pulisic as they extended their impressive run of Premier League 2020 results to nine matches unbeaten.
As for Leeds, they still find themselves down in 13th and remain unable to string together back-to-back wins since the opening month of the season.
Highlights of the game
Chelsea were flying high after their 0-4 thrashing of Sevilla in midweek, and they created the first goalscoring chance less than a minute into the match. Hakim Ziyech expertly controlled a long ball from Ben Chilwell and forced a fine save from Leeds keeper Illan Meslier.
Olivier Giroud, who scored all four goals in that win over Sevilla, then came close from the ensuing corner as he sent his header just wide.
But after conceding those early chances, it was Leeds who took the lead moments later with their first notable attack of the match. Leeds midfield maestro Kalvin Phillips delivered a terrific through ball to Patrick Bamford, who rounded the onrushing Edouard Mendy and slotted home.
That goal must have tasted like sweet revenge for Bamford, who spent five unsuccessful years at Chelsea without even featuring for the first team.
Chelsea really should have been back on level terms just five minutes later. Giroud’s flicked header from a corner was already destined for goal, but Timo Werner intervened and conspired to hit the underside of the crossbar from point-blank range.
Leeds would have their turn to be denied by the frame of the goal on 19 minutes as Ezgjan Alioski’s low-driven shot struck the post. Although, that wouldn’t have counted anyway as Luke Ayling was offside when he delivered the cross.
Meslier very nearly gifted a goal to Giroud, who sent a shot just wide after a loose pass from the Leeds keeper. But the in-form Frenchman would eventually deliver Chelsea’s equaliser just before the half-hour mark as he directed Reece James’ cross into the goal.
Leeds went close to going back in front in the second half. Raphinha, who scored their winner last time out at Everton, had his first-time shot off a corner blocked by Thiago Silva, then blasted the rebound well over the bar.
Chelsea struck back on the hour mark as Timo Werner forced Meslier to two fine saves. Mason Mount then had his chance on the rebound charged down for a corner.
However, the young Leeds keeper was helpless to keep out Kurt Zouma’s header on the ensuing corner, which gave Chelsea the lead.
Chelsea continued to bear down on the Leeds goal in search of that decisive third goal. Giroud missed a couple of good chances to score a second, while Meslier again denied Werner.
But the Blues had to wait until the third minute of stoppage time to get that game-sealing goal. The pacey Werner blew past the Leeds backline and picked out Christian Pulisic, who slid in and slotted past Meslier.
It was a perfect way to cap off another highly impressive performance by Chelsea, whose Premier League 2020 odds to win the title are looking better with each passing game.
Key statistics
Chelsea had surprisingly little of the ball at Stamford Bridge as Leeds edged out the possession battle, 54 per cent to 46. However, the home side still made their possession count as they created a whopping 23 shots, 11 of which were on target.
But perhaps more impressively, Chelsea’s defence held Leeds’ high-octane attack to just eight shots, with three on target.
Giroud continued his impressive form as he finished with a team-high six shots. Meanwhile, Werner had five shots and will be disappointed that he didn’t get at least a goal.
What’s next?
Chelsea have already clinched top spot in their Champions League group, which will allow Frank Lampard to field a heavily rotated side in their group finale at home against Krasnodar.
That means the Blues should be fresh for their next league assignment away to Everton, who have gone off the boil after a fast start to the season.
As for Leeds, their fans will finally get their first chance to witness Premier League football back at Elland Road when they host West Ham next weekend.
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