A downbeat Daniel Farke pitchside at Elland Road for Leeds United and Michael Zetterer in a Leeds shirt.

Daniel Farke and Michael ZettererImago/Breaking Media

Leeds United player ratings vs Chelsea: Michael Zetterer suffers baptism of fire, 7/10 teammate deserved more

Correspondent AUTHORITY Sports journalist with experience at the Northern Echo and Durham Cricket Club; Teesside University graduate. FOCUS Long-form opinion and deep-dive content across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Jacob utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, analytical reporting. He provides in-depth opinion and insight to ensure fans get beyond the headlines and into the detail.

Published on:

09 Sep 2026, 8:59 pm

Leeds United exited the Carabao Cup after a thrilling match with Chelsea ended in a 6-3 defeat on Wednesday.

The Whites travelled to Stamford Bridge in search of a first win away over the Blues since a 2-0 victory all the way back in 1999, but a 6-3 loss means their wait will have to go on.

Tarik Muharemovic powered Leeds into an early lead with his first goal for the club, heading home after a wonderful delivery from a Harry Wilson corner.

Daniel Farke's team doubled their lead in the 48th minute after Brenden Aaronson finished off a lovely team move, only for a quick-fire brace from substitute Cole Palmer to get the hosts level before the hour mark.

A sweeping finish from Pedro Neto before a smart Danny Welbeck goal gave Chelsea a two-goal advantage, though Dominic Calvert-Lewin brought the score to 4-3 with a goal after coming on from the bench.

Chelsea finished the game off after Valentin Barco smashed home another for the hosts, shortly before Welbeck's second of the game in stoppage time sent Leeds packing.

Ethan Ampadu was on top form vs Chelsea

Ethan Ampadu put in a standard performance against Chelsea, which for his standard, means a good display.

His work down the right-hand side was instrumental for Leeds', as his cross found the feet of Lukas Nmecha, who flicked through for Aaronson to score.

He didn't stop running all night, and showed once more why he is arguably Leeds' most important player.

The Welshman completed 84 per cent of his passes accurately, while four of six attempted long balls were also made.

Ampadu made three tackles, four clearances and nine recoveries, and did not deserve to be on the losing team.

Michael Zettter suffered baptism of fire vs Chelsea

Michael Zetterer started the first 45 minutes of his Leeds career well, before it all went downhill.

The German shot-stopper conceded five in the second 45, with a Cole Palmer's second effort in particular one he should have done better with.

Danny Welbeck's strike was straight at him, and although it was from close range, he could have done better.

Zetterer finished the game with a -2.30 goals prevented statistic, and a poor FotMob score of 4.3, which just highlights how underwhelming his second half display was.

He completed 31 of his 40 passes, and though his debut wasn't great, there is promise for him as the back-up goalkeeper.

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