Seven games later, Chelsea returned to the feeling of a victory. The blues, in crisis, beat Leeds United, at Stamford Bridge, by 1-0, in the 26th round of the Premier League. João Félix was in the starting line-up – as was Enzo Fernández – and one of the best on the field, but the goal came from Fofana’s head.
It ended with some suffering and, to some extent, true to Chelsea’s last two months. The triumph fits, it could have been more peaceful, but after not being able to “close” the match with a second goal, Graham Potter’s team trembled in the final minutes.
cutie in the heights
The moment of some relief at Stamford Bridge came in the 53rd minute when Fofana rose to head in a corner beaten by Ben Chilwell. By that time, the blues had already given interesting signs in the second half, after Kai Havertz and João Félix had goal balls within the first 45 minutes.
The German was first, in the 16th minute, but Meslier rose impassably in the Leeds goal; a few minutes later (22′), it was the Portuguese’s turn to come very close to putting Chelsea ahead, but his shot hit the crossbar.
Chelsea ended up sinning when closing several of the collective moves they created and, with that, made room for Leeds’ dream. However, Spaniard Javi Gracia’s team never really looked capable of hurting Kepa’s goal. Tyler Adams and Rutter tried (57′ and 60 minutes), but without success.
In this way, and almost two months later, Chelsea won again and, with that, maintains the hope of still reaching the European places. As for Leeds, who have won just one of their last 12 games, the struggle continues at the bottom of the table.
