Joe Hart, Leeds badge
Leeds United deserved praise for picking up an impressive point at Stamford Bridge amid a relegation battle ahead of a difficult set of fixtures to come.
Leeds United put in a wonderful performance against an in-form Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
2-0 down and with 25 minutes remaining, against a Chelsea side unbeaten in the Premier League since Liam Rosenior took charge, Leeds United looked destined for defeat. Then came Jayden Bogle, who won Leeds a penalty, Lukas Nmecha‘s composure from the spot, and Noah Okafor’s scrappy equaliser.
The point moved Leeds six clear of the relegation zone, ahead of Tottenham in the table as well. The fightback was a resilient performance and showed character to claw back from a seeming defeat. But the work is far from over.
Joe Hart gives thoughts on Leeds’ upcoming fixtures
Joe Hart knows a thing or two about thriving in the Premier League. The former Manchester City and England goalkeeper, now a pundit, watched Leeds’ comeback and offered a measured assessment.
“They’re on the right track, but nothing’s done yet with that run that they’ve got coming up,” Hart said. He warned that the Chelsea point only matters if something is built upon it, when speaking after the game on TNT Sports.
He then ran through the fixtures that will define Daniel Farke’s season. “Aston Villa away is going to be a tough game, Manchester City at home, Sunderland, that Palace one looks massive, doesn’t it?”
However, Hart’s final verdict was cautiously optimistic. “They’ve given themselves a really great chance, and they all are believing that if they can get everyone fit, it’s going to be a really good season, I think for Leeds.”
Given the way Leeds have proven to be able to compete with virtually every team this season bar Arsenal, there is no reason Daniel Farke’s men cannot attack these fixtures with confidence, and if Leeds were able to gain one point from their next two games, it would be an incredible boost for their survival hopes.
READ MORE:‘Unacceptable…’ – Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior raging with key refereeing decision during draw with Leeds United – The Leeds Press
James Justin was exceptional against Chelsea
Despite the positive result, the majority of the Whites’ side had fairly average games, with Chelsea dominating proceedings for large spells.
One player in particular did stand out, however, with Justin impressing yet again for Leeds, this time as a right wing-back.
James Justin – Match Stats vs Chelsea
Stat Value
Defensive contributions 9
Tackles 2
Clearances 5
Blocked shots 1
Recoveries 3
Duels (won) 13 (10)
(Sofascore)
The Englishman has completley changed his role in the eyes of the Leeds supporters as of late, initially being viewed as a backup option; however, recent performances from Justin mean that at this moment in time, he is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Farke.
Justin will need to continue to be at his best in the next few weeks to give Leeds a fighting chance in games they will enter as the underdogs.
READ MORE:‘I thought…’ – Ethan Ampadu delivers brutally honest verdict on Cole Palmer’s shocking miss