LEEDS UNITED 3-1 CHELSEA: Full Blues player ratings from Elland Road as Enzo Maresca’s men slipped to a disappointing defeat on Wednesday evening
Cole Palmer made his first appearance in more than two months for Chelsea but he could not prevent his mistake-ridden side from losing 3-1 against Leeds United at Elland Road.
The Blues were beaten in the league for the first time since October 25, with their long-time rivals having too much for them on Wednesday evening.
Jaka Bijol headed Leeds’ opener after being found by Anton Stach’s corner with just six minutes on the clock. Later on in the first-half, Ao Tanaka beat Robert Sanchez from the edge of the area to send Elland Road into raptures.
Pedro Neto, on as a half-time substitute, got one back for Chelsea immediately after the break with a close-range finish.
With just over 15 minutes of normal time remaining, Tosin Adarabioyo gifted possession to Leeds inside his own box and Dominic Calvert-Lewin tapped in and put the game to bed.
Below, Bobby Vincent rates the Chelsea players out of 10 based on their performance at Elland Road:
Robert Sanchez – 5
Distribution was not the best, which is a shame given his improvement recently. Nothing he could do about the first two goals. He challenges for the third but was put in real trouble by Tosin.
Trevoh Chalobah – 5
Started at right-back. Struggled there and moved to the middle at half-time, where he unsurprisingly looked more comfortable.
Tosin Adarabioyo – 3
Looked really shaky early on and struggled to deal with the physicality Leeds were showing. Awful for Leeds’ third. Pedestrian in possession and punished.
Benoit Badiashile – 4
First Premier League start in almost two months. A couple of loose passes early on. Taken off at half-time.
Marc Cucurella – 6
Was one of Chelsea’s better players, but that isn’t saying much given the overall performance of the side.
Andrey Santos – 5
Replaced Moises Caicedo in what was always going to be a tricky encounter. Made a couple of impressive interceptions. Difficult game for the Brazilian midfielder.
Enzo Fernandez – 4
Really poor for Tanaka’s goal. Sloppy in possession and gave Leeds the ball in a really dangerous position. Overall, not at his best at all.
Estevao Willian – 5
Chelsea struggled to get him too involved in an attacking sense. For the second game in a row, he was brought off at half-time.
Joao Pedro – 5
Largely anonymous. A couple of mis-controls from the No.20. Sloppy when Chelsea needed more.
Jamie Gittens – 5
Always tried to get at Jayden Bogle down Chelsea’s left side. Lacked end product, however.
Liam Delap – 4
Chelsea could have done with their No.9 keeping the ball a bit better in the early exchanges when they were under pressure. His hold-up play is usually one of his strong points, but it left a lot to be desired on Wednesday night at times.
Pedro Neto (on for Estevao 46′) – 7
Immediately scores. Takes it really well. A real bright spark for the Blues.
Malo Gusto (on for Badiashile 46′) – 5
Did well coming on in tricky circumstances. A little bit frantic at times but settled in eventually.
Cole Palmer (on for Delap 61′) – 5
Great to see him back. Should do better 69 minutes in after being laid off by Alejandro Garnacho.
Alejandro Garnacho (on for Gittens 61′) – 6
Looked positive. Probably should have had an assist for Palmer on 69 minutes.
Marc Guiu (on for Santos 77′) – N/A
Some minutes but could not make an impact.
