Wesley Fofana scored the only goal of the game to help Chelsea produce one of the narrow football results of the weekend in the Premier League. Chelsea had gone winless in their previous six games and was out of the top four after a 2-0 loss to rivals Tottenham last Sunday – but they rightly stemmed the rot at Stamford Bridge, with Potter happy to feel that “winning sensation” again. In the first half, Kai Havertz was stopped by a fantastic Ilian Meslier save, and Joao Felix hit the crossbar before Fofana netted with a thunderous header early in the second period to register the club’s first goal since February 14. Leeds struggled to cause Chelsea any real problems in defense, with Potter’s main test still ahead on Tuesday as they look to overcome a one-goal deficit in their Champions League last-16 clash at home to Dortmund.
Chelsea dominated from the start, playing in a 3-4-3 style, and seemed keen to put their recent run behind them. When Havertz was sent in behind by Raheem Sterling in the 15th minute, Meslier produced a brilliant stop to keep out the striker’s dinked shot. Only seven minutes later, Leeds had the goalframe to thank for another wonderful chance, this time Sterling drawing the ball back for Felix to blast against the crossbar from the outside of the box. Throughout the first half, Ben Chilwell caused problems in behind Luke Ayling, volleying over from a magnificent Havertz pass when he had time to control and then pick his location.
Chelsea finally broke their goal drought at the start of the second period. Fofana met Chilwell’s out-swinging corner and planted him past Meslier. Leeds rallied well to the setback, with Georginio Rutter’s attempt deflected, allowing Kepa Arrizabalaga to gather. Around the hour mark, the visitors had more territory, especially after Potter substituted wingers Sterling and Felix to reinforce the midfield. Chelsea escaped some tense moments late in the game, with Leeds goalkeeper Meslier tipping a last-gasp chance straight at a grateful Kepa.
Chelsea earned their second win in 12 games in all competitions in 2023 (D4 L6), and their first in seven (D3 L3) since defeating Crystal Palace 1-0 in January. Leeds have only six Premier League points away from home this season, the joint-fewest of any team and their lowest after 13 away games in a league season since 1992-93. (3). Wesley Fofana was Chelsea’s 13th different Premier League goal scorer this season, trailing just Arsenal (14) in the tournament (excluding own goals). Graham Potter, the manager of Chelsea, has won four of his six Premier League games against Leeds (D2), the most wins against an opposing team in the championship.
“We are overjoyed with our victory. We’ve been through a difficult time. I’m thrilled for the players and fans who have had to endure so much. It felt satisfying to win,” Chelsea head coach Graham Potter said. “We got off to a good start and created several possibilities. Playing against Leeds is usually difficult because of their strong intensity. We got the goal, which was a satisfying moment for everyone, and now we have something to lose in the second half, which is where you’d expect us to be given our recent form. It’s fantastic for the players to keep a clean sheet, win a game, and feel that way. It’s lovely.”
“I’m irritated and unhappy with the outcome, but after witnessing my players’ attitudes, I can only say I’m proud of them,” Leeds head coach Javi Gracia said. “Several things need to be improved, but if we look at the game, the opponent was better in the opening 30 minutes, dominating the game and possession, and creating two clear chances, but after that, we grew up with the ball and produced some chances. They had their moments in the second half, and the goal came from a corner. We tried till the finish, and the crew demonstrated character and a positive approach. The corner kick was decisive.”
On Tuesday at 8 p.m., Chelsea will play Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter. The Blues were defeated 1-0 in the first leg in Germany. Graham Potter’s squad then returns to Premier League play next Saturday at 3 p.m. against Leicester. Leeds’ next Premier League home game is against Brighton on Saturday at 3 p.m., followed by a trip to Wolves on March 18, also at 3 p.m.
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