Leeds United played host to Chelsea in one of Sunday’s early Premier League kick-offs.
Both sides headed into the game having won one and drawn one so far this term, though Chelsea did have the harder start.
The Blues were also favourites heading into this clash. But when all was said and done at Elland Road, it was Leeds who came away with the win.
Leeds dominated the opening of the game, pressing high and winning the battle in midfield. And, 33 minutes in, Leeds got their reward. Brenden Aaronson pressed Edouard Mendy and won the ball off the Chelsea keeper to put the ball into an open net.
The Peacocks added a second just a few minutes later, this time thanks to Rodrigo heading in from a Harrison free-kick.
In response to the poor first 45, Tuchel switched to back four that saw Ruben Loftus-Cheek moved into midfield and Gallagher pushed further forward.
That didn’t work out that well either, though, so Tuchel brought off Gallagher and Jorginho for Pulisic and Ziyech, leaving RLC as the Blues’ only natural midfielder.
However, shortly after that switch, Jack Harrison added Leeds’ third to secure a huge three points for the Yorkshire outfit.
Leeds player ratings
Illan Meslier (6) – Little to do in the first half, good save from a James effort shortly after the hour.
Rasmus Kristensen (5.5) – Struggled to keep Raheem Sterling quiet.
Robin Koch (6.5) – Solid defensively all game, making a number of tackles and interceptions.
Diego Llorente (6.5) – Won a number of ground and aerial duels in what was a solid showing.
Pascal Struijk (6) – Kept Loftus-Cheek and co. fairly quiet but had less joy vs Reece James.
Marc Roca (6.5) – Pressed well and helped Leeds dominate in midfield early on.
Tyler Adams (7) – Good ball to Rodrigo 21 minutes in who missed his chance. His pressing and passing was excellent throughout.
Dan James (6) – Not his best outing but he pressed well along with the rest of the Leeds team.
Brenden Aaronson (8) – Caused Chelsea, especially Koulibaly, issues with his skill. His pressing was excellent, especially for his goal.
Jack Harrison (8) – Great cross to Rodrigo for Leeds’ second goal. Scored Leeds’ third to kill the tie off.
Rodrigo (8) – Missed a good chance 21 minutes in but got his goal after 37 minutes with a great header. Assisted Harrison for the third.
Substitutes
Adam Forshaw (4) – Helped Leeds set out the game.
Luis Sinisterra (N/A)
Joe Gelhardt (N/A)
Mateus Klich (N/A)
Sam Greenwood (N/A)
Chelsea player ratings
Edouard Mendy (2) – Failed to clear the ball and cost his side a goal.
Reece James (4.5) – Should have done better for the Rodrigo header. Grew into the game when moved to right-back.
Thiago Silva (4) – Didn’t make one huge mistake but was far from his best.
Kalidou Koulibaly (2) – Booked early on after being turned by Aaronson. Poor marking for Leeds’ third. Was sent off for a stupid pull late on.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (4.5) – Should have done better with a chance early on but he took too many touches. Was moved into midfield at the break to help out Gallagher.
Jorginho (3) – Really struggled to deal with the Leeds press. His passing was poor. Off after 63 minutes.
Conor Gallagher (3) – Lost possession early on a few times which led to some Leeds chances. Was moved further forward at half time after really struggling in a two. Was taken off after 63 minutes.
Marc Cucurella (5) – Was one of the better Chelsea players in the first half, though that isn’t saying much.
Mason Mount (4) – Very quiet, uninspiring display.
Raheem Sterling (4.5) – Worked a good opening for himself early on but fired wide. Scored in the 15th minute but it was offside.
Kai Havertz (4) – Created an excellent chance for Loftus-Cheek who should have capitalised. Did little else of note, which is not ideal for the man leading the line.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic (3) – Had little impact on the game.
Hakim Ziyech (3) – Had little impact on the game.
Ben Chilwell (N/A)
Cesar Azpilicueta (N/A)
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