Premier League
ChelseaChelsea3LeedsLeeds United1

Chelsea 3-1 Leeds United: Blues go top after comeback win in front of fans

By Neil JohnstonBBC Sport

Last updated on .From the section Premier Leaguecomments1253

Patrick Bamford scores for Leeds against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
Patrick Bamford's goal is the earliest Chelsea have conceded in the Premier League since May 2017

Chelsea went top of the Premier League as they came from behind to beat Leeds United in their first game in front of fans for nine months.

Former Blues striker Patrick Bamford, who spent five years at Chelsea without making a senior appearance, gave Leeds an early lead at Stamford Bridge after getting between defender Kurt Zouma and keeper Edouard Mendy.

Timo Werner then somehow managed to miss from point-blank range after Olivier Giroud's flicked header from a corner, the Germany forward hitting the underside of the bar before Leeds cleared.

However, Giroud marked his first league start of the season with his fifth goal of the week, the scorer of all four of Chelsea's Champions League goals away to Sevilla in midweek poking home from five yards after Reece James' cross.

Chelsea, who welcomed 2,000 fans back to Stamford Bridge after coronavirus restrictions were eased, went ahead as Zouma headed in from Mason Mount's corner.

Substitute Christian Pulisic added a late third from Werner's pass, with the United States winger becoming the 13th different player to score for Chelsea in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea, who started the day third, are one point clear at the top.

Chelsea welcome fans back in style

There were scenes of celebration after the final whistle as Blues boss Frank Lampard went over to applaud fans inside the ground, who gave the players a standing ovation while they headed for the dressing room.

One supporter held up a banner which read "It's great to be back" and Chelsea certainly relished the occasion as they turned on the style.

When they last moved to the summit after a win at Newcastle on 21 November, Lampard said he was not going to "get excited about being top for five minutes".

Within a few hours they had been replaced by Tottenham following a win over Manchester City later the same day.

Lampard 'delighted' with Chelsea victory

Lampard's side will at least enjoy being top a while longer this time, although they could be overtaken by Tottenham and Liverpool on Sunday.

Nevertheless, this was a highly satisfactory victory.

While France's World Cup winner Giroud made the most of his first league start of 2020-21, Werner will wonder how on earth he did not score.

After his astonishing miss, Werner was thwarted on three occasions by Leeds keeper Illan Meslier, while Kai Havertz headed another chance over.

Unbeaten in nine top-flight games, Chelsea are handling the hectic Champions League-Premier League schedule well.

After securing top spot in their European group, Lampard's men are looking down on all the rest in England.

Bamford makes impact on return

Bamford arrived at Stamford Bridge with a point to prove - and, despite his team's defeat, left after once again demonstrating he belongs on the Premier League stage.

The 27-year-old was overlooked during his time at Chelsea, leaving for Middlesbrough in 2017 after five years in London without playing a competitive senior game.

In an extraordinary opening, and after the hosts had twice gone close in the first two minutes, Bamford got between Zouma and Mendy to connect with Jack Harrison's threaded pass to fire Leeds ahead.

It was another classy finish by Bamford, who is now level with Leicester's Jamie Vardy and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah in terms of top-flight goals in 2020-21.

Incredibly, seven of his eight league goals have come away from Elland Road, with Bamford scoring in five of Leeds' six away games this season.

His side, however, could not capitalise.

'Difficult' defeat gives Leeds opportunity to learn, says Bielsa

Having beaten former leaders Everton in their previous game, they were unable to stop Chelsea from going top.

Before this weekend only Liverpool had more attempts in the Premier League than Marcelo Bielsa's side.

They had another eight against Chelsea but could not respond once Zouma headed the hosts ahead.

'Defeats an opportunity to learn' - what they said

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard: "I was nervous of Leeds. They're a threat until the end if you don't get a cushion.

"They are pretty unique in their style and they're well coached. We knew it was a big task. Character-wise and performance-wise, on lots of levels, I'm absolutely delighted."

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa: "It was difficult for us to stop them playing out from the back with their centre-backs and [midfielder] N'Golo Kante.

"I never question the refereeing decisions and this game was not decided by the referee. He did not decide the game. Always defeats are an opportunity to learn something."

Vulnerable at set-pieces - the stats

  • Leeds have conceded five goals from set-pieces (excluding penalties) in the Premier League this season, only Leicester have conceded more from such situations (six).
  • Oliver Giroud has become the first Chelsea player to score in six consecutive Premier League starts since Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink in October 2001. At 34 years and 66 days, he is the oldest player to score in six consecutive Premier League starts.
  • Chelsea have won four of their past five Premier League games (drawn one) - indeed, no current Premier League side is on a longer unbeaten run than the Blues (nine - won five, drawn four).
  • Leeds have lost three of their past five Premier League games (won one, drawn one), conceding three or more goals in all three defeats.
  • Marcelo Bielsa's side faced 23 shots in this match, their joint-most in a Premier League game this season (also 23 against Manchester City).

What's next?

Chelsea, who have already sealed top spot, host Russian side Krasnodar in their sixth and final Champions League Group E game on Tuesday (20:00 GMT), while Leeds are back in Premier League action next Friday against West Ham at Elland Road (20:00).

Player of the match

GiroudOlivier Giroud

with an average of 7.64

Chelsea

  1. Squad number18Player nameGiroud
    Average rating

    7.64

  2. Squad number10Player namePulisic
    Average rating

    7.47

  3. Squad number24Player nameJames
    Average rating

    7.46

  4. Squad number15Player nameZouma
    Average rating

    7.38

  5. Squad number7Player nameKanté
    Average rating

    7.38

  6. Squad number19Player nameMount
    Average rating

    7.28

  7. Squad number6Player nameThiago Silva
    Average rating

    7.15

  8. Squad number21Player nameChilwell
    Average rating

    6.88

  9. Squad number17Player nameKovacic
    Average rating

    6.84

  10. Squad number11Player nameWerner
    Average rating

    6.78

  11. Squad number16Player nameMendy
    Average rating

    6.56

  12. Squad number22Player nameZiyech
    Average rating

    6.31

  13. Squad number9Player nameAbraham
    Average rating

    6.11

  14. Squad number29Player nameHavertz
    Average rating

    5.93

Leeds United

  1. Squad number1Player nameMeslier
    Average rating

    6.63

  2. Squad number9Player nameBamford
    Average rating

    6.33

  3. Squad number23Player namePhillips
    Average rating

    6.01

  4. Squad number7Player namePoveda-Ocampo
    Average rating

    5.74

  5. Squad number2Player nameAyling
    Average rating

    5.63

  6. Squad number18Player nameRaphinha
    Average rating

    5.60

  7. Squad number15Player nameDallas
    Average rating

    5.54

  8. Squad number20Player nameRodrigo
    Average rating

    5.48

  9. Squad number43Player nameKlich
    Average rating

    5.47

  10. Squad number6Player nameCooper
    Average rating

    5.46

  11. Squad number14Player nameLlorente
    Average rating

    5.41

  12. Squad number10Player nameAlioski
    Average rating

    5.36

  13. Squad number5Player nameKoch
    Average rating

    5.19

  14. Squad number22Player nameHarrison
    Average rating

    5.19

Line-ups

Chelsea

Formation 4-3-3

  • 16Mendy
  • 24James
  • 15Zouma
  • 6Thiago Silva
  • 21Chilwell
  • 29HavertzSubstituted forKovacicat 67'minutes
  • 7Kanté
  • 19Mount
  • 22ZiyechSubstituted forPulisicat 30'minutes
  • 18GiroudSubstituted forAbrahamat 79'minutes
  • 11Werner

Substitutes

  • 1Arrizabalaga
  • 2Rüdiger
  • 5Jorginho
  • 9Abraham
  • 10Pulisic
  • 17Kovacic
  • 28Azpilicueta

Leeds

Formation 4-4-1-1

  • 1Meslier
  • 2Ayling
  • 5KochSubstituted forLlorenteat 9'minutesBooked at 74mins
  • 6Cooper
  • 10AlioskiSubstituted forRodrigoat 69'minutes
  • 18Dias BelloliBooked at 90mins
  • 15Dallas
  • 23Phillips
  • 22HarrisonSubstituted forPoveda-Ocampoat 57'minutes
  • 43Klich
  • 9Bamford

Substitutes

  • 7Poveda-Ocampo
  • 11Roberts
  • 13Casilla
  • 14Llorente
  • 17Hélder Costa
  • 20Rodrigo
  • 21Struijk
Referee:
Kevin Friend
Attendance:
2,000

Match Stats

Home TeamChelseaAway TeamLeeds
Possession
Home46%
Away54%
Shots
Home23
Away8
Shots on Target
Home11
Away3
Corners
Home8
Away4
Fouls
Home12
Away9

Live Text

  1. Post update

    Match ends, Chelsea 3, Leeds United 1.

  2. Full Time

    Second Half ends, Chelsea 3, Leeds United 1.

  3. Booking

    Raphinha (Leeds United) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.

  4. Post update

    Foul by Raphinha (Leeds United).

  5. Post update

    Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  6. Goal!

    Goal! Chelsea 3, Leeds United 1. Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) left footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Timo Werner following a fast break.

  7. Post update

    Foul by Mateusz Klich (Leeds United).

  8. Post update

    Tammy Abraham (Chelsea) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

  9. Post update

    Attempt missed. Tammy Abraham (Chelsea) right footed shot from the right side of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Timo Werner.

  10. Post update

    Attempt blocked. Christian Pulisic (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Timo Werner.

  11. Post update

    Offside, Leeds United. Stuart Dallas tries a through ball, but Ian Poveda-Ocampo is caught offside.

  12. Post update

    Attempt missed. Reece James (Chelsea) header from the centre of the box misses to the left. Assisted by Mason Mount with a cross following a corner.

  13. Post update

    Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Liam Cooper.

  14. Post update

    Ian Poveda-Ocampo (Leeds United) wins a free kick on the left wing.

  15. Post update

    Foul by Reece James (Chelsea).

  16. Substitution

    Substitution, Chelsea. Tammy Abraham replaces Olivier Giroud.

  17. Post update

    Attempt saved. Ian Poveda-Ocampo (Leeds United) left footed shot from outside the box is saved in the centre of the goal.

  18. Post update

    Attempt missed. Olivier Giroud (Chelsea) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by Mason Mount with a cross following a corner.

  19. Post update

    Corner, Chelsea. Conceded by Illan Meslier.

  20. Post update

    Attempt saved. Timo Werner (Chelsea) right footed shot from the centre of the box is saved in the centre of the goal. Assisted by Mason Mount.

Page 1 of 6
Navigate to the last page
Around the BBC - SoundsAround the BBC footer - Sounds

Comments

Join the conversation

These comments are now closed.

1253 comments

  • Ian Poveda-Ocampo shows Sterling how true football should be played when he was clipped by Chilwell.

    • Hellobrian replied:
      Pity those such as Mane and Salah do not learn from him.

  • As a neutral Chelsea,s passing and movement was silky smooth tonight and a cut above leeds. Great performance!!!

    • HitmanHC replied:
      Rubbish!

  • I'll say this for the last time.

    “That's why Giroud starts for France!

    I never understood why Arsenal let him go.

    He may not light up the league, but his consistency and work-rate are second-to-none.”

    Dare I say but he is Chelsea's best player at the moment.

    • LLLFCGBR replied:
      Couldn't agree more!

  • Its not surprising how much chelsea have improved lately. Kepa not playing might just have something to do with that.

    • LondonsFinestClub replied:
      Obviously one of the reasons, another being Silva organising the team on the field of play, the players improved workmate and the selfless nature they have towards each other in attack. People need to remember Frank has bought big tis window, but he as last seen 200m worth of talent leave the club since he arrived. He has averaged a net spend of 70 m in two seasons. Not bad! team still developing.

  • Important, hard-fought win for Chelsea. Should have been more and need to be sharper up front. Leeds proving they're an asset to the PL.

    • dude101 replied:
      An asset to the PL yeah right that’s like saying grealish doesn’t dive

  • Deserved win for Chelsea , could have been worse . But we are Leeds and we will get back up and fight on MOT. Great Leeds goal, what a pass.

    • What barn door replied:
      WAHLS - You are losing the fight.

  • Well Bamford scored the inevitable goal at Stamford and pleased for him too, but delighted at the victory against a have to be respected Leeds side.
    A good performance yes and top tonight, but Werner needs to sharpen his finishing and Havertz just needs to start turning up basically. RLC at his best looks twice the player. No luck Leeds.

    • Ron swanson replied:
      Agree on RLC. When fit and in form he is a monster

  • Really good match. Leeds have been a great addition to the league and gave Chelsea a fright but seemed to run out of ideas towards the end. Lampard has done well so far and the money he spent in the summer appears to have been spent wisely. The gap between them and City/Liverpool now is an awful lot smaller than it was last year, I think Chelsea have progressed faster than most expected.

    • valleyboy replied:
      Leeds a great addition?
      Yea right oh..😀😀

  • Our friends from north London were full of it a few days ago, Leeds were going to beat 'the chavs'

    In those immortal words "It's all gone quiet over there"

    • gfk626 replied:
      Yes, Spurs talk a good trophy, but when it comes to winning one...........tumbleweed

  • Poveda, a true honest player showing the likes of mane and salah how to stay on their feet.

    Well done to him.👏👏

    • DPG replied:
      I like to see players stay on their feet. Problem is that while you criticise Mane and Salah, Liverpool actually conceded a penalty for exactly the same contact last week when Welbeck threw himself to the ground and VAR decided it was a pen. Until VAR and refs give penalties for fouls rather than falls, it won’t stop.

  • Easy for Chelsea. Giroud and Werner should have scored three each.

    • Ian Dorman replied:
      Chelsea just buying success on the back of Abramovich millions. Anybody could manage that squad

  • When will the pre match nonsense stop ? I think the salutes have spoiled what was a decent and respectable action, it's sickening now.

    • theprowerwins replied:
      Hurt feelings? Are you upset by freedom of speech? Want to silent those you don’t agree with?0

  • Frank, Pulisic is the key to the title, if he’s fit he’s the first name on the team for me!!!

    • HitmanHC replied:
      I agree as a Liverpool fan we missed out on Pulisic

  • 28 million viewers watched the cup final, a record.

    Liverpool.....nope.

    Man Utd....nope.

    1970 Chelsea v Leeds. 👍

    • reiver_mac replied:
      And this proves what, exactly?

  • Respect to Leeds for their attitude and the way they play but we could have had 10 today if Werner and Giroud had been more clinical.

    Great 3 points, top of the league and fans back at the Bridge. Good night all round.

    • Jimiuk replied:
      Respect for almost concealing 10?? Do you read what you write?

  • Zouma is becoming a great player. Still got a mistake or two in him, but he's pretty solid at the back and knows how to head a ball towards goal as well. Chelsea looking really impressive.

    • Richard replied:
      He'll learn a lot from Thiago Silva, and can see his game improving steadily through the season.

  • As a Leeds fan, I was expecting a defeat tonight so not too disappointed. Nevertheless it pains me to say it, but Chelsea the best team we have played thus far on our return to the Premier League

    • Christopher L replied:
      Cheers! You certainly scared Liverpool at Anfield 👍

  • I see the BBC continues to aggitate for the Politicising of Football...

    • Someone Else replied:
      It is because their ranks are chock-full of indoctrinated Marxists just out of college. They don't even flinch.