It was a pretty dire showing from Chelsea in that first half against Leeds. The Blues were soft at the back and sloppy in attack.
One of the worst culprits was Jamie Gittens, who refused to take on his full back time after time when given the chance, instead insisting on playing backwards.
Well, after some half time changes, and presumably a rocket from his manager, everything has changed. The winger started the second period much brighter, and Chelsea soon got their reward. Gittens took on Jayden Bogle and beat him. The winger hit the byline and floated in a lovely cross to the far post, where freshly arrived sub Pedro Neto was waiting to smash the ball in from close range.
We will still need to do a hell of a lot more to win this game, but at least we’ve got some pride back and potentially make this second half worth watching at the very least. Let’s not forget, we’ve got Cole Palmer on the bench tonight, and plenty of time still to score a second and third.
Let’s hope Gittens has got the message and will now start taking on his man more regularly. As for Neto, his impressive goal and assists stats from this season continue to grow. He might yet get another tonight.
You can see the goal in the clips embedded here:
Pedro Neto squeezes it home to get Chelsea back in it at Elland Road! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/3POcG6NfJS
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 3, 2025
[Footage from Sky Sports Premier League]
Goal by Pedro Neto. Chelsea need more…
Premier League | 🏴 Leeds United 2-1 Chelseapic.twitter.com/7XPZbmiA5a
— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) December 3, 2025
[Footage from Canal Plus]
In other news…
Pedro Neto celebrates his goal against Leeds.
Pedro Neto celebrates his goal against Leeds. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Chelsea conceded the opening goal in this game to a header from a corner – which raised the question of why Enzo Maresca had left out key central defender Wesley Fofana.
Chelsea’s team news for today saw them keep one attacking star in the team – but another one is still on the bench as he recovers from a long term injury.
More Stories about Jamie Gittens
Cole Palmer goes off injured against Manchester United.
Trevoh Chalobah heads in against Arsenal.
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