Chelsea came from behind to beat Leeds United 3-1 on Saturday evening, firing Frank Lampard’s men back to the top of the Premier League.
The Whites took a shock, early lead at Stamford Bridge, when Patrick Bamford latched onto a through ball, rounded Edouard Mendy and tapped home into an empty net. Chelsea somehow failed to equalise straight after, with Timo Werner rattling the bar from a yard out.
GIROUUUUUDDDDDDDDD! ⚽️
? 1-1 ? [27′] #CHELEE pic.twitter.com/Ecnjm7Xc6R
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 5, 2020
But the Blues did get their goal through Olivier Giroud just before the half-hour mark, as the Frenchman reacted quickest to poke home a Reece James cross. Lampard’s side had to wait until the 60th minute to break through a second time, when Kurt Zouma leapt highest to power home a superb header.
And Chelsea rounded off the scoring in injury time, Christian Pulisic converting to fire the hosts back to the top of the league.
Let’s check out the player ratings from an exciting evening at Stamford Bridge.
Edouard Mendy (GK) – 5/10 – Imperious form came to an end early in this match with a lapse of judgement to rush out for the opening goal. Set the whole team off on the wrong foot.
Reece James (RB) – 8/10 – Lovely whipped cross for Giroud’s strike, hit with plenty of pace and venom. Forced Harrison to switch wings in search of some joy.
Kurt Zouma (CB) – 7/10 – Caught out by the through ball which split the defence, and got done for pace and movement by Bamford. Powered home a great header to put Chelsea ahead.
Thiago Silva (CB) – 8/10 – Played no part in the concession of the opening goal. Commanding once more, leading the backline with authority.
Ben Chilwell (LB) – 7/10 – Forever aiming to charge down that left-hand side and whip in a cross for the waiting Giroud. Solid, as always.
Kai Havertz (CM) – 5/10 – Not at the races, although possibly suffering from playing out of his preferred position. Had little impact on the first half. Subbed in the second.
N’Golo Kante (CM) – 7/10 – Had to be at his best against the relentless Leeds press and counter, but was up to the challenge. Always in the right place to cut passing lanes and get Chelsea moving again.
Mason Mount (CM) – 9/10 – Full of bite in the tackle and looked ready for battle. Displayed plenty of heart and endeavour, and got his reward by swinging in the corner which Zouma dispatched expertly.
Hakim Ziyech (RW) – 6/10 – His work on the equaliser can’t go unnoticed. Beat a man, drew two into his path before releasing James down the right to cross. Beaut. Sadly his final act, pulling up injured immediately after.
Olivier Giroud (ST) – 8/10 – Had a great chance to equalise in a good position, but skewed his strike wide. Made no mistake second time round, snaking out a boot to level the scores. A constant threat.
Timo Werner (LW) – 7/10 – How did he miss?! On the goal line, it just needed a touch. Not that touch, though. Shocker. Had Alioski on toast when he switched to the right flank. Always a threat and should have got on the score sheet at least once.
We’ve been forced into our first change.
? 1-1 ? [30′] #CHELEE pic.twitter.com/1G0N9GDLWX
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 5, 2020
Christian Pulisic (LW) – 8/10
Mateo Kovacic (CM) – 7/10
Tammy Abraham (ST) – 5/10
Illan Meslier (GK) – 6/10 – Almost gift-wrapped an equaliser for Giroud, but the Frenchman’s wastefulness saved the keeper. Had little chance with the goals, but denied Werner smartly to keep Leeds in the game.
Luke Ayling (RB) – 6/10 – Neat and tidy in possession, helping Leeds escape cul-de-sacs with some intricate play. Not an easy evening against Pulisic and Werner but kept his cool in the face of adversity.
Robin Koch (CB) – N/A – Suffered an early injury which forced him off the pitch inside ten minutes.
Liam Cooper (CB) – 6/10 – Stood strong in the first half, as a barrage of crosses rained down from either flank. Quite the opposite in the second half, as he slipped and failed to clear the decisive corner.
Gianni Alioski (LB) – 4/10 – Rattled the post with a nice strike, although it wouldn’t have counted had it gone in due to an offside call. Got done down his flank by Ziyech and James for Giroud’s goal. Subbed.
Kalvin Phillips (CDM) – 7/10 – Produced an inch-perfect ball to free Bamford for the opener. Tried to slow Chelsea down but struggled to stem the flow as the Blues found their groove. Still impressive.
Stuart Dallas (CM) – 6/10 – Typifies this Leeds team with endless pressing, running and dynamism. Ultimately, didn’t have the quality to hurt the Blues.
Mateusz Klich (CM) – 7/10 – Occupied an inside right position, popping up in space to feed Ayling and Raphinha down the wing.
Raphinha (RW) – 6/10 – Always looking to cut in onto that delicious left foot, and gave Chilwell the odd fright. Moved out to the left but had less impact. Quite possibly should have put Leeds ahead but miscued twice.
Patrick Bamford (ST) – 7/10 – Kicked off the scoring with a lovely goal, rounding the keeper coolly. Should have celebrated though, Patrick.
Jack Harrison (LW) – 5/10 – Far from his best on Saturday. Pocketed by James and dispossessed too easily. Rightly substituted.
9′ Diego Llorente makes his #LUFC debut as he replaces Robin Koch. 0-1
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 5, 2020
Diego Llorente (CB) – 6/10
Ian Poveda (RW) – 6/10
Rodrigo (ST) – 6/10
Let’