Leeds 3-0 Chelsea: Whites dismantle Thomas Tuchel's men

Last updated : 01 September 2022 By . Craig Vickers

Leeds enjoyed arguably their finest day infront of the Elland Road faithful since returning to the Premier League as they produced an emphatic 3-0 victory over a hapless Chelsea.

Only 35 seconds had ticked over on the clock when a chance went begging for Thomas Tuchel's men. Raheem Sterling was slipped through by Conor Gallagher but, after skipping past the sliding challenge of Marc Roca, the England international could only steer his finish wide of the post.

 

The former Manchester City man had the ball in the net shortly after, although the linesman was quick to raise his flag and curb the Chelsea celebrations. At the other end, Rodrigo flashed a dangerous effort across the face of Edouard Mendy's goal.

Mason Mount then drew a fine diving stop from Illan Meslier after he worked the ball onto his left foot on the edge of the area before neat interplay with Kai Havertz from a long ball.

However, it was the home stride who drew first blood as Edouard Mendy was left with his head in his hands. Brenden Aaronson chased what appeared a fruitless cause in closing down the Chelsea goalkeeper, although both he and Leeds were rewarded when Mendy got the ball stuck in his feet. The American robbed him of possession before knocking the ball into an empty net.

Chelsea were still licking their wounds when Jesse Marsch's side doubled their advantage four minutes later. Jack Harrison delivered a wicked free-kick from the left, with Rodrigo stealing a march across the front post before glancing his header into the far bottom corner.

Marc Cucurella had a chance to reduce the deficit shortly after the restart after being teed up by Mount on the edge of the penalty area, but the Spaniard ballooned his effort over the crossbar.

A tactical tweak from Tuchel at half-time seen Reece James liberated down the right-hand side, and the Chelsea full-back turned provider for Gallagher from just inside the penalty area. The 22-year-old swivelled and released a left-footed effort, but it deflected inches wide of Illan Meslier's far post.

However, it was Leeds who had the final say on the afternoon as they added to Tuchel's woes. Dan James delivered from the left and when Rodrigo failed to generate good contact on his finish, the ball fell invitingly to Jack Harrison who stabbed home on the stretch.

Chelsea's afternoon was encapsulated six minutes from time when summer signing Kalidou Koulibaly was shown his marching orders for a second bookable offence after hauling down Joe Gelhardt.