Player Ratings: Embarrasing performances as Chelsea are smashed by Leeds United | OneFootball

Leeds United Punish Error Prone Chelsea In Yorkshire Setback

Chelsea’s trip to Elland Road turned into a bruising reminder of the Premier League’s ruthlessness, with Leeds United sweeping to a fully deserved win. The visitors arrived with confidence after weeks of steady progress but never imposed themselves and paid heavily for a catalogue of individual mistakes. Leeds struck early through Jaka Bijol, who reacted sharply to Anton Stach’s corner after just six minutes. It set the tone for a night where Chelsea were continually second best.

Cole Palmer’s long awaited return added intrigue but not stability. The rhythm of Chelsea’s play remained fragmented and Leeds seized every opportunity to unsettle them. Ao Tanaka’s crisp strike from the edge of the area ignited Elland Road again, leaving Robert Sanchez with no chance and leaving the visitors in disarray before the break.

Pedro Neto, introduced at half time, offered a glimmer of hope when he converted from close range within seconds of the restart. For a short spell, Chelsea carried purpose and Leeds retreated. That momentum evaporated as quickly as it arrived. With just over fifteen minutes to play, Tosin Adarabioyo gifted possession inside his own area and Dominic Calvert-Lewin punished him with ruthless simplicity. From that moment, Leeds United managed the contest with composure and Chelsea could not rediscover belief.

Leeds Assert Control

The hosts thrived on intensity. Their midfield won collisions, second balls and the psychological battles that shape nights like this. Chelsea, by contrast, looked short of conviction and cohesion. The defeat ends their long league unbeaten run and leaves Enzo Maresca with questions to answer about structure, decision making and the mental sharpness of his senior players.

Chelsea Search For Rhythm

Palmer’s return was a clear positive, yet Chelsea struggled to bring their forward line into meaningful areas. Estevao Willian was isolated, Joao Pedro had little influence and Liam Delap’s hold up play faltered. Even when space did open, carelessness crept in. Enzo Fernandez’s mistake for Tanaka’s goal summed up a night where Leeds United simply read the game faster.

Player Ratings Breakdown

Below are the player ratings from a difficult evening for Chelsea, reflecting a performance where Leeds United dictated the tempo from start to finish.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs Leeds United

Robert Sanchez, 5Trevoh Chalobah, 5Tosin Adarabioyo, 3Benoit Badiashile, 4Marc Cucurella, 6Andrey Santos, 5Enzo Fernandez, 4Estevao Willian, 5Joao Pedro, 5Jamie Gittens, 5Liam Delap, 4

Substitutes

Pedro Neto, 7Malo Gusto, 5Cole Palmer, 5Alejandro Garnacho, 6Marc Guiu, n/a

ManagerEnzo Maresca, 4