Man City 3 Leeds United 2: Lee Sobot's Video Verdict
Enzo Maresca saw his title-chasing Chelsea side suffer a 3-1 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road.
Leeds United were better then Chelsea in 'all aspects' of the game in their 3-1 win, according to visiting boss Enzo Maresca.
The Whites got the best of a title-hunting side in the physical battle but also caused them numerous problems and created plenty of chances, despite enjoying just 29 per cent of the possession.
"I think they were better than us in all the aspects, they deserved to win the game," said Maresca.
"There's nothing we can take from this game, only to understand the mistakes and try to reset. In 48 hours we have one more game.
“We performed so well against Arsenal, Barcelona, but it's not possible to perform the same way [every time]. For different reasons the level is not going to be always the same. When you come here, away against any team, if you don't perform at 100 per cent the Premier League is tough.
“When you play, again the last two against Barcelona and Arsenal, you expect a better performance no doubt. But we change players, we have players for whom it isn't possible to play every three days. They are important players for us. We cannot use them every game, it's impossible or they can get injured and be out for months and months."
"The impact for him must probably be big”
Maresca was forced into a double change at the break with Leeds two goals up and one of his wingers, Estevao, getting more and more frustrated as he lost his battle with Gabriel Gudmundsson. The Chelsea youngster kicked out at the Leeds left-back to earn a yellow card and a half-time withdrawal.
"I think the feeling with Estevao was a little bit welcome to the Premier League, welcome to Leeds," he said.
"The impact for him must probably be big. The reason we changed was he was already yellow carded and sometimes you struggle to manage emotions at 18. It was better to change him and avoid any red card."
The Blues manager hopes what he saw was just a bad day at the office, with none of his players hitting their standards, but admitted Leeds were worth their three points.
"Tonight's game there was not one who was at his level or best level," said Maresca.
"Probably Pedro, Garnacho second half were our best players. We had two chances with Cole and João but the third goal changed the game. I hope we had a bad night. It's a game you struggle to find something you can take from the game. They were, on the ball, off the ball, duels, second ball, much better than us."
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