Leeds dented Chelsea’s title hopes with a 3-1 win at Elland Road, easing pressure on manager Daniel Farke and leaving the visitors nine points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal. Farke stuck with a 3-5-2 system that had helped his side fight back at Manchester City, and it paid off as Leeds dominated large periods and moved three points clear of the relegation zone.
Chelsea had been boosted by recent displays against Arsenal and Barcelona but were given a reality check in West Yorkshire. Leeds opened the scoring when Jaka Bijol powered a bullet header at the near post, and Ao Tanaka doubled the lead with a stunning long-range strike. Leeds went into the break 2-0 up despite having just 28.6% possession — their lowest share in a league victory since a 2016 Championship win over Reading.
Enzo Maresca responded with two halftime changes that produced an immediate effect: Pedro Neto pulled one back after the restart, capitalising on a slip by Leeds defender Gabriel Gudmundsson to poke in at the back post. Chelsea pressed for an equaliser, but Leeds restored their two-goal advantage when Dominic Calvert-Lewin finished after substitute Noah Okafor seized on a loose pass by Tosin in his own box.
Chelsea were without Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer made his first appearance in over two months off the bench. Leeds fielded a back three for just the fifth time in their Premier League history. Farke’s tactical tweak and team unity were highlighted after the game; he said the club remained on a mission and he wanted more of the same as Leeds prepare to face Liverpool next.
Player ratings (selected): Leeds — Calvert-Lewin 9, Bijol 8, Tanaka 8, Ampadu 8. Chelsea — Tosin 3, Sanchez 5, Badiashile 4; subs Neto and Palmer rated around 6 and 5 respectively. Calvert-Lewin was named Player of the Match.
Reaction and analysis: Gary Neville reflected that Chelsea’s squad was “not good enough” to win the title, pointing to weaknesses at center-back and in goal and inconsistency across big games. Maresca conceded Leeds were superior on the day and said Chelsea must reset quickly with another game in 48 hours. Farke dismissed talk about outside noise around his future, praising the unity in the club and the need to make Elland Road a fortress.
Opta facts: Leeds’ win came with only 28.6% possession — their lowest in a league win since December 2016. Chelsea conceded 3+ goals to a side starting the day in the relegation zone for the first time since April 2021. Leeds’ xG was 2.82, the second-highest by a team against Chelsea in the Premier League under Maresca. Chelsea have a markedly better win rate when Caicedo starts (52%) compared to when he does not (25%).
What’s next: Leeds host Liverpool at Elland Road on Saturday, while Chelsea continue their hectic schedule with another Premier League fixture shortly after.