Chelsea 2-2 Leeds: Stubborn Leeds deny Rosenior’s Blues at Stamford Bridge | OneFootball

Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge after a spirited second-half comeback from Leeds United.

Liam Rosenior’s men found the breakthrough in the first half through an in-form João Pedro, and Cole Palmer doubled their lead from the penalty spot after a foul on the Brazilian just before the hour mark.

But two goals in the space of six minutes saw the visitors claim an impressive point on the road, with Lukas Nmecha halving the deficit from the penalty spot before Noah Okafor hauled them level in the 73rd minute.

As it happened

Within the first 10 minutes, both sides started cautiously, probing for openings. Chelsea looked sharper in possession, with João Pedro and Cole Palmer linking up well. Leeds sat deep, trying to absorb pressure and hit on the counter.

In the 24th minute, Chelsea finally scored as Palmer played a beautifully timed pass through the defense, and Pedro stayed composed, chipping the ball over Karl Darlow for a superb finish. That goal took João Pedro into double figures for the Premier League season, matching his best return in a single campaign (2024/25 with Brighton) and becoming just the fourth Brazilian to score 10+ goals in back-to-back Premier League seasons, after Roberto Firmino (4 from 2015-19), Richarlison (2018-20), and Matheus Cunha (2023-25).

Right before half time, Leeds showed signs of life, but Chelsea’s defence held firm and the score remained 1–0 at the break.

In the 58th minute, João Pedro was shoved in the back inside the box by Jaka Bijol. The referee pointed to the spot, and Palmer converted it into a goal.

In the 67th minute, Moisés Caicedo fouled Jayden Bogle in the area affording the visitors a chance to pull one back after VAR awarded a penalty. Nmecha sent the keeper the wrong way; the momentum shifted, and Leeds suddenly grew in confidence.

In the 73rd minute, a quick Leeds attack caught Chelsea off guard. Okafor finished clinically to level the score. The away fans went wild, sensing an unlikely comeback.

Within the stoppage time, Chelsea pushed desperately for a winner. Cole Palmer missed a golden chance in stoppage time from point-blank range. Leeds held firm, securing a dramatic draw in a game that marks the first time since 21 October 2023 (against Arsenal) that Chelsea had led by two goals in a Premier League match and failed to go on to win.

It is also the first time that Leeds fought back from a two-goal deficit in a Premier League away match since March 2022, when they beat Wolves 3-2.