Premier League giants Chelsea laid claim to the top spot on the Premier League table tonight, after a gritty 3-1 win against Marcelo Bielsa’s well-drilled Leeds United side. In the fixture that saw 2000 fans returning to Stamford Bridge, it was actually the visitors who took the lead early on. Former Chelsea academy graduate Patrick Bamford scored the opener, only for Olivier Giroud to equalise a few minutes later. Kurt Zouma doubled Chelsea’s lead in the second half, before Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic linked up in second-half stoppage time for the American to slide home the winner.
Here Are The Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Leeds United:
Chelsea Player Ratings Vs Leeds United
Edouard Mendy – 7
The Senegalese stopper could’ve arguably done a better job dealing with the Bamford goal, but he was solid for the most part. Made a couple of important saves over the ninety as well.
Reece James – 8
The English speedster was absolutely brilliant down the flank tonight as his overlapping runs caused the Whites’ back-line all kinds of problems. Delivered an inch-perfect cross for the equaliser.
Kurt Zouma – 7.5
The big Frenchman could’ve done better on the lead up to the first goal of the game, but more than made up for it with a towering header in the second half. Won some key tackles as well.
Thiago Silva – 8.5
The Brazilian veteran was a perpetual rock at the back for the Blues tonight, and his experience and overall quality came to the fore. Cleared everything up at the back and drove forward too.
Ben Chilwell – 7.5
The Englishman covered a lot of ground over the course of the ninety and ensured in the second half that Leeds didn’t find space in behind. Got forward and helped out in attack as well.
N’Golo Kante – 7.5
The Frenchman covered every bit of grass on the pitch tonight as he pressed the ball from start to finish. Picked up the ball in midfield and moved it forward, and made some key interceptions as well.
Mason Mount – 8
The Englishman’s work-rate in the middle of the park was commendable, to say the least. He never stopped running for the defensive cause and joined up in the attacking phase as well.
Kai Havertz – 7
The German wasn’t at his best tonight, but he did show the odd moment of quality. Needs to apply himself a lot more, but Leeds United’s level of pressing is obviously something that he’s not used to.
Hakim Ziyech – 6
Was only on the pitch for the opening half an hour and he had an important part to play on the lead up to the Chelsea equaliser. Looked like he had a hamstring issue.
Olivier Giroud – 7.5
The Frenchman worked extremely hard in the final third of the pitch as his hold-up play, and movement in the final third were both sublime. Did well to sneak in at the near post and score the equaliser.
Timo Werner – 7
The German speedster passed up on a couple of good opportunities to score, and he even went on to miss a sitter in the first half. Despite this, he worked hard in attack and picked up a late assist too.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic – 7
Brought on around the half-hour mark in place of Ziyech, the American didn’t have the most influential of matches. Tried to impact the attacking play and picked up a good third goal in stoppage time.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
The Croatian replaced Kai Havertz in the Chelsea midfield and added a degree of energy to the core of the team. Worked hard on the defensive side of things as well.
Tammy Abraham – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
