Leeds did something vs Chelsea that no other side has managed this season, not even Barcelona
Leeds United coasted to victory against one of the best sides in the world on Wednesday.
Goals from Ao Tanaka, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jaka Bijol saw Leeds United beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road, relieving some of the pressure on Daniel Farke.
It was expected that Leeds would sack Farke if they failed to beat either Chelsea or Liverpool, meaning this win may have bought him until the new year at least.
However, while a 3-1 scoreline certainly does tell the story from the night, it doesn’t reveal it all, and it showcases why the Whites have a chance of avoiding the drop.
Chance creation is a clear strength for Leeds
Calvert-Lewin has three goals for Leeds now, but it was his lack of form earlier in the season that demonstrated where their troubles were.
The Whites would create chances, but didn’t have anyone at the top of the pitch to make anything of it, resulting in defeat more often than not.
Chance creation remained on show against Chelsea, and, on this occasion, Leeds were able to take advantage of it.
However, their xG of 2.82 is the most any side has created against Chelsea this season, across all competitions.
Barcelona recorded just 0.78 in a 3-0 defeat in the Champions League, Arsenal managed 1.26 in their 1-1 draw, while Bayern Munich had 2.07 in their 3-1 victory back in September.
What did Daniel Farke say after Leeds win vs Chelsea?
Farke will have been no stranger to the task at hand, nor would he have been a stranger to the pressure that was mounting on him.
The German has remained consistent in his ambitions to stay at an average of one point per game, and Leeds’ latest triumph puts them back in that bracket, with 14 points from 14 games.
Speaking after the win, Farke praised his players and emphasised how this kind of result has been waiting in the wings.
“Long time coming. Players deserved a night like this because I cannot remember one poor home performance in the last 15 months,” Farke said as quoted by Beren Cross.
“Excellent. Effective in the moments we needed. To win this, against one of the best in the world, we did not give any chances away.
“Did not have the feeling we were not unified. Elland Road back at its best tonight. Did not see any negative comments, apart from the guy behind my bench. He was dancing, but was not happy that we had to defend at 2-0. I told him it’s Chelsea, and we cannot attack all the time.”
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