Leeds United rescue a point against Chelsea.placeholder image
Leeds United rescue a point against Chelsea. | Getty Images
Leeds United striker Lukas Nmecha claimed his side ‘choked’ Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Leeds United picked up another point in their fight for Premier League survival on Tuesday night, this time coming at the cost of Chelsea.
The Whites managed to blotch Liam Rosenior’s perfect record in the Premier League with the 41-year-old having won each of his four league matches in charge of the side so far. Rosenior remains unbeaten but did see two points slip away against Leeds United as Daniel Farke’s side came back from 2-0 down.
The hosts took the lead in the first half thanks to a clever chipped Joao Pedro finish before Cole Palmer followed up last week end’s hat-trick with a strike from the penalty spot in the 58th minute. It looked set to be plain sailing for the final half hour but Daniel Farke turned to Noah Okafor from the bench, and the game turned.
Leeds United ‘choke’ Chelsea in second-half comeback
Leeds United were gifted a penalty when Moises Caicedo tripped Jayden Boygle on the edge of the box. Lukas Nmecha converted the spot kick with confidence as the atmosphere changed in Stamford Bridge.
With the bit between their teeth, it was once again Boygle who sprinted through on the Chelsea goal having shrugged off young Josh Acheampong. The centre-back couldn’t recover in time and was offered little help from goalkeeper Robert Sanchez as the ball rolled into the path of Okafor, who tapped into an empty net.
Chelsea had their chances to restore their lead, Pedro heading onto the crossbar late on before Palmer somehow missed an empty net in the dying moments of injury time.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Leeds United striker Nmecha lifted the lid on the tactics that brought his team back into the match, saying that the Whites had planned to ‘choke’ their opposition following half-time.
He said: "It showed our hard work. We tried to choke them out and it worked. A point here is very respectful. We're in a fight to stay in the Premier League."
Joao Pedro on Chelsea ‘frustration’ as two points slip
Chelsea striker Pedro also spoke to the cameras following the draw and admitted ‘frustration’ in the Chelsea dressing room after Leeds United fought their way back into the contest.
He said: "We are very frustrated because I think we started the game very well. We controlled the game, 1-0, 2-0 and then we conceded. I think this season has been like this.
"We need to be more consistent, more focused and kill the game. Today it happened again. Tomorrow we need to look at ourselves and see where we need to improve."
In other news, Chelsea Player Ratings: 'Phenomenal' 9/10 but 'foolish' 6 as Leeds United comeback at Stamford Bridge.
Continue Reading