Chelsea’s title hopes took a major blow at Elland Road, and several players will want to forget this performance quickly. Here’s how the Blues rated in their shocking 3-1 defeat to Leeds United.
ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5.5/10
After his heroics against Arsenal, the Spanish keeper returned to his shaky self. Could have done better with Bijol’s header for the opener, and his poor positioning was exposed for Leeds’ third goal when he failed to deal with Tosin’s horror pass. Distribution was also unusually sloppy throughout.
TREVOH CHALOBAH – 6/10
Clearly uncomfortable playing as a right-back early on. He and Delap lost Bijol completely for the opening goal. Improved slightly when he moved centrally in the second half, but it was still a below-par showing from the defender.
TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 4/10
A disaster of a performance that shows exactly why he’s been benched lately. The nightmare moment came when he dithered on the ball in his own box, allowing Noah Okafor to charge him down and gift Leeds their decisive third goal. Looked lost positionally all night and will likely be watching from the bench for weeks.
BENOIT BADIASHILE – 5.5/10
Failed to bring any stability to Chelsea’s defense. His struggles were evident enough that Maresca hauled him off at half-time, hoping to change things around.
MARC CUCURELLA – 6.5/10
One of the few defenders who can hold his head high. Solid enough defensively but couldn’t provide his usual attacking threat going forward. A quiet night by his standards.
RENATO VEIGA – 6/10
Made one poor pass that nearly cost Chelsea early on. Had a difficult evening overall and was substituted at half-time as Maresca searched for answers.
ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6/10
Lost possession cheaply in the build-up to Leeds’ second goal, a mistake that proved costly. Without Caicedo beside him, the Argentine couldn’t find his usual rhythm and struggled to impact the game from his deeper position.
KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL – 6.5/10
Chelsea’s best midfielder on the night, though that’s not saying much. Worked hard but couldn’t stop Leeds’ relentless counter-attacks from the source.
ESTEVAO – 5.5/10
A frustrating evening for the young Brazilian, which was clear when he picked up a needless yellow card for a swing at Anton Stach. Showed flashes but was well below his high standards and was hooked at half-time for the second consecutive game.
JOAO FELIX – 6/10
Nearly invisible for large stretches. Had a couple of decent runs but was far too anonymous when Chelsea desperately needed creativity. Snatched at chances when they came his way.
LIAM DELAP – 6/10
Clumsy on the ball all night, completing just three of six passes. Unlucky not to score when the game was still 1-0, but his overall contribution was poor. Missed Bijol’s run for the opening goal.
SUBSTITUTES:
MALO GUSTO (HT) – 5.5/10
Came on at half-time but had a shocker. His poor giveaway directly led to Tosin’s calamitous error for Leeds’ third goal.
PEDRO NETO (HT) – 7.5/10
The only bright spot in a dismal night. Came on and instantly made an impact, squeezing home Chelsea’s only goal at the near post within five minutes of the restart. His pace and directness gave Leeds problems, but it wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.
COLE PALMER (60′) – 6/10
The returning star couldn’t rescue Chelsea on his comeback from injury. Snatched at a golden chance to equalize that he’d normally bury. Not the fairytale return he or the fans were hoping for.
JAMIE GITTENS (60′) – 6/10
Grabbed an assist for Neto’s goal with an excellent cross, showing his quality in tight spaces. Otherwise struggled to make a real impact.
ALEJANDRO GARNACHO (75′) – 5.5/10
Looked positive when he got on the ball but provided no end product. Too little, too late.
MANAGER: ENZO MARESCA – 5/10
His rotation policy backfired badly. The weakened defense was exposed from the first whistle, and his team lacked the intensity needed against a relegation-threatened side fighting for survival. Questions will now be asked about squad management and whether Chelsea have the consistency to mount a serious title challenge.
