Leeds United 3 Chelsea 1: Lee Sobot's video verdict
The former Manchester United defender watched Leeds United’s 3-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday.
Gary Neville is ‘looking forward’ to being back at Elland Road this weekend after seeing Leeds United produce a brilliant performance to beat Chelsea 3-1.
Neville was on Sky Sports co-commentary duties as Leeds physically dominated Chelsea to claim a massive three points on Wednesday evening. Goals from Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin capped off a brilliant performance from Daniel Farke’s side, with the Whites boss winning praise for his change of tactics.
Farke moved to a back three with Jaka Bijol between Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, while the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin to the startling line-up saw him partner Lukas Nmecha. Anton Stach also came into midfield with Leeds going all out to build on their physical qualities and bully Chelsea.
Leeds were outstanding across all areas of the pitch on Wednesday, keeping things compact through the centre of the pitch and playing plenty of nice football when the opportunity arose. And despite his less-than-friendly previous welcomes, former Manchester United defender Neville is looking forward to being back in West Yorkshire for Saturday’s visit of Liverpool.
“Sometimes that can happen [being forced into a formation change],” Neville told Sky Sports after full-time on Wednesday night. “I think the teams that have come up before have tried to play a bit too much football.
“What Leeds had tonight was three really strong centre-backs, two strong centre-forwards, and Ampadu in midfield as a strong holding midfielder. A really good spine. A good strength and robustness through the team and then in the wide areas, Bogle and Gudmundsson were fantastic running forwards.
“A lot to like, a good balance to the team and I really like what I saw. Who’d have thought I’d be looking forward to coming back to Leeds?”
Another big game on the horizon for Leeds United
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“Fully deserved,” Neville said. “It was a perfect match for Leeds. They changed the system, played three at the back and were outstanding at the back. The midfield was full of energy but it was all about that front two, particularly in that first 10 or 15 minutes. They set the tone for the whole night and they beat Chelsea.”
After such a deserved win over Chelsea, Leeds will fancy their chances on Saturday against a Liverpool side who have struggled against direct opponents all season. The reigning Premier League champions are currently down in eighth having won just two of their past nine Premier League games.
Leeds will also hope to welcome Liverpool to Elland Road with the chance to open up a gap on the bottom three. Farke’s side climbed above West Ham and into 17th with that victory over Chelsea, albeit the Hammers have a game in hand to play at Manchester United this evening.
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