Cole Palmer celebrates scoring against Leeds United.placeholder image
Cole Palmer celebrates scoring against Leeds United. | Getty Images
Chelsea saw a win slip away against a determined Leeds United outfit at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Chelsea were blown away by a gritty second half performance from Leeds United under the lights at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, Daniel Farke’s coming back from 2-0 to salvage a point.
Liam Rosenior’s side looked to be well on their way to making it five wins from five under their new manager thanks to a cheeky first half lobbed effort from Joao Pedro before Cole Palmer made it two from the spot in the 58th minutes.
However, Moises Caciedo lunged into a tackle on Jayden Bogyle shortly afterwards, allowing Lukas Nmecha to bring Leeds United back into it from the ensuing penalty before Noah Okafor levelled following a melee in the box. Here’s how the Chelsea players rated.
Chelsea player ratings v Leeds United
GK - Robert Sanchez, 6
Didn’t have a whole lot to do for a long period. Needed to come out and own that fast-developing mess of a situation that led to the Leeds United leveller but lacked conviction. Some nice distribution nonetheless, spotting the Joao Pedro run that led to the penalty.
LB - Marc Cucurella, 8
Full of beans on the left flank in the first half and looked like he could nip in behind the Leeds United defence at any moment. If the visitors were to breach the Blues back line in the first half, it looked as if it could come by catching the Spaniard out, but never came really close to happening.
CB - Trevoh Chalobah, 7
Vocal at the heart of defence bellowing orders to his colleagues. Will be fuming to have seen what looked like a nailed on clean sheet slip away in the second half.
CB - Josh Acheampong, 6
Saw yellow early for clipping at the heels of Brenan Aaronson having found himself on the wrong side. Some nice defensive moments with his long legs pinching the ball well, but his dizzy defending for the Okafor goal was not vintage.
RB - Malo Gusto, 6
A pretty solid showing, Leeds United didn’t have much joy on this flank. Could have offered a bit more dynamism going forward and lacked a little alchemy with Estevao.
CDM - Andrey Santos, 9
If the game hadn’t taken its turn in the second half, Andrey Santos would be earning praise for a phenomenal outing. Still deserving of a nine, the 21-year-old keeps going from strength to strength under Rosenior. Loves the dirty work, amping the Stamford Bridge crowd up after tackles, and picks the right pass so easily. An exciting prospect.
Moises Caicedo gifts Leeds United penalty
CDM - Moises Caicedo, 6
It had been the purring performance that Chelsea fans had come to expect before Caicedo gave away the penalty that saw three points change to one. There was no need for the midfielder to reach his leg out foolishly like that - Chalobah was stood right in front of Jayden Bogyle. Had looked to make up for it when putting it on a plate for Cole Palmer at the end, who somehow did not convert.
RW - Cole Palmer, 8
A different player when he gets some form behind him. Looked sparkling from the off, interchanging positions with Enzo Fernandez at his will. The Leeds United midfield couldn’t get near him as he danced through and picked out through balls. Converted his penalty with aplomb but how on earth he missed an open goal in injury time is a mystery.
CAM - Enzo Fernandez, 7
Faded as the match went on, perhaps fatally so as Leeds United found their way back in. Had been brilliant before that, his versatility and workrate allowing Palmer to play the maverick alongside him in midfield.
LW - Estevao, 6
A little bit sleepy at times in the first half with Palmer and Fernandez much more involved. Had Rosenior clapping his hands to try and encourage some more lively action. The Chelsea boss must have said something at half time, because Estevao was a livewire in the 18 minutes he had on after the break before being taken off.
ST - Joao Pedro, 8
Constantly finding his way through the Leeds United defence with teammates always looking to pick him out. It’s impressive how good Pedro is at receiving the ball in all sorts of positions and getting it under control. His cheeky dink of a finish was a joy to watch but needs to work on avoiding the offside trap.
SUBS - Jorrel Hato (6), Pedro Neto (7), Wesley Fofana (7), Liam Delap (6).
In other news, Arsenal dominate nominees for London Football Awards with Chelsea and Fulham players also recognised.
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