This was a match with a rivalry ready to be renewed as old rivals Chelsea and Leeds took to the field at Stamford Bridge. It was the second game of Saturday to be allowed 2,000 home fans in, so would that spur Chelsea on?
It was played at Stamford Bridge.
Reference: https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/frank-lampard-chelsea-felt-2000-fans-in-3-1-leeds-united-win
In the first minute, Ziyech’s shot was saved by Meslier, Giroud header from the corner wide.
Three minutes later, Phillips’ through ball to Bamford who went round Mendy and scored.
After 10 minutes, Werner somehow missed from a yard out, as he inadvertently stopped ball from going in, he must have thought it wasn’t going in from a header.
After 16 minutes, Bamford shot wide.
Three minutes later, good play by Leeds and Alioski hit the post but he was offside.
After 22 minutes, Giroud shot wide.
Three minutes later, Bamford tried to place it, but his shot was easily saved.
Two minutes later, James crossed and Giroud finished well at the near post, and Chelsea were level.
The last meaningful first half action was Bamford nearly being in, but Zouma tackled perfectly.
Halftime score: Chelsea 1-1 Leeds United
So an interesting first half, both teams were playing well and creating chances, would the second half be any different?
After 54 minutes, Havertz’s headed over from a freekick.
Three minutes later, Raphinha’s volley was saved and his 2nd shot was over.
On the hour mark, Werner had two shots saved, then Mount had a shot deflected.
From the corner, Zouma had a free header intot he net.
After 68 minutes, Pulisic shot wide.
With fifteen minutes left, Werner’s shot was saved, Giroud’s header from the corner went over.
Three minutes later, Poveda’ s shot straight at Mendy but had Poveda gone down, he may have got a penalty.
After 87 minutes, Abraham shot wide.
In the third minute of stoppage time, Werner crossed to Pulisic who scored.
Fulltime score: Chelsea 3-1 Leeds United
So a night that started promising for Leeds ended in disappointment. They ended the match in 12h, and after the rest of the weekend’s matches, they dropped to 14th on 14 points which is OK, as they knew they’d probably lose more than they win in the Premier League, for Leeds its all about survival first season back.
Highlights of this game are below:
Next for Leeds United is a home game against West Ham at Elland Road on Friday 11th December, as all teams start their busy Christmas and New Year schedule.
