Chelsea players protesting a penalty that Moises Caicedo gave away. (Image: Getty Images)
Chelsea squandered a two-goal advantage to draw 2-2 with Leeds at Stamford Bridge, dealing a significant blow to the Blues’ Champions League aspirations. The home side were exceptional in the first half, taking the lead through Joao Pedro’s smart finish following a superb pass from Cole Palmer. Early in the second half, Pedro earned a penalty for Chelsea after being shoved in the back by Jaka Bijol, mirroring how he won a penalty at Wolves over the weekend.
Palmer took the penalty and fooled Karl Darlow, scoring his fourth goal in two matches. Leeds were given a lifeline when Moises Caicedo fouled Jayden Bogle, earning them a penalty which Lukas Nmecha successfully converted. They then equalised following a chaotic scramble in the Chelsea box, resulting in an uncontested tap-in for substitute Noah Okafor, securing a point for the visitors. Here’s our Chelsea player ratings…
Sanchez had little to do in the first half, despite potentially challenging conditions for a goalkeeper. He could perhaps have done better with Okafor’s goal. 5.
Gusto received an unnecessary booking within the first 10 minutes, putting him under some pressure. However, he recovered well and delivered a solid performance. 6.
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It was refreshing to see him utilised in his natural position – the first time he has started there since late-October. He performed admirably for most of the match, but a moment of indecision in a perilous area resulted in Leeds equalising. 5.
Chalobah was assigned a physical duel against Lukas Nmecha and appeared to thrive in it. The defender was instructed to track the Leeds centre-forward all the way back when he retreated to collect the ball.
He didn’t make many errors for the hosts. 6.
Cucurella’s first significant involvement came at the 17-minute mark when he sent a low cross towards Cole Palmer, although the Chelsea No. 10 couldn’t make clean contact.
However, the delivery from Cucurella was excellent. The Spaniard was substituted at half-time. 6.
A pointless penalty to concede. It’s uncharacteristic of him to make such a foolish decision.
He hasn’t been at his best in recent games. 4.
Santos got off to a promising start, with an impressive defensive move on the halfway line to block Jayden Bogle. That was just one of several interceptions he made for Chelsea during the match, but it wasn’t only his defensive work that stood out.
Santos controlled the game for the Blues from a deep position. His performance improves with each game he plays. 9.
Chelsea celebrate Joao Pedro scoring against Leeds United (Image: Getty)
Estevao was somewhat out of sync in the first half. The Brazil international has been outstanding throughout the campaign but found it difficult to influence proceedings in the opening 45 minutes, though he appeared more comfortable after the interval. 6.
Following his first-half hat-trick on Saturday, Chelsea fans were eager to see whether Palmer had rediscovered the form they know he possesses. And it was certainly an encouraging beginning.
Palmer delivered a superb through ball to Joao Pedro for the match’s opening goal.
All things considered, it was arguably the finest Palmer has appeared in some time regarding his overall display. He was continually demanding possession and controlling proceedings when on the ball.
Converted from the penalty spot but squandered an absolute sitter in added time. 8.
Fernandez was deployed from the left, just as he was at Wolves, whenever Chelsea were in possession. But without the ball, Fernandez and Palmer would interchange.
Frequently dropped exceptionally deep to effectively become the third player alongside Caicedo and Santos. Consistently sought the defence-splitting pass when available. Another genuinely impressive showing. 8.
The Brazilian netted the opening goal of the match at Stamford Bridge. An excellent finish.
He lifted it over the onrushing Karl Darlow and made it appear effortless. He’s performing with tremendous confidence at present. 9.
Jorrel Hato (on for Cucurella 46′)
Introduced at the half-time interval for Cucurella. Performed well at left-back. 6.
Pedro Neto (on for Estevao 64′)
Entered the fray for the last 25 minutes or so of the match but didn’t make a significant impact. 5.
Wesley Fofana (on for Acheampong 79′).
The Frenchman got some game time. N/A.
Liam Delap (on for Santos 79′).
Failed to make the desired impact. N/A.
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