Wesley Fofana’s headed goal was enough for Chelsea to secure a 1-0 victory over Leeds at Stamford Bridge to give Graham Potter a vital three points. The Blues scored their first goal in almost a month and picked up their first win since mid-January. A confidence-building win heading into a crunch Champions League midweek game against Borussia Dortmund.
Kepa Arrizabalaga- 7/10
A couple of comfortable saves late into the game was Kepa’s only real test today. A low strike was well saved by the Spaniard to help maintain his clean sheet. Even managed to deny his opposite number Illan Meslier’s headed last-gasp shot.
Kalidou Koulibaly- 7/10
A solid performance from the Senegalese centre-back. He made some important sliding challenges early in the game and put on a far more composed performance in defence than we have seen in recent weeks.
Wesley Fofana- 8/10
Well after spurring a big early-headed chance, Fofana was sure not to miss the second one. The French defender leapt highest to head home a Chilwell corner and finally see Chelsea go one up on the scoresheet. Other than a silly yellow card, the 22-year-old looked good defensively and was dominant in the air, winning five aerial duels.
Benoît Badiashile- 7/10
Another defender who was solid at the back today, helping limit Leeds to minimal chances. Badiashile was the least involved of the three defenders but still played his role well. At times he struggled when dragged out to defend wider on the pitch.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek- 5/10
Playing as a part of a back five today, Loftus-Cheek was pushed out to right wing-back. He didn’t look entirely comfortable out wide, not having an impact going forward. The Englishman was often sloppy with his use of the ball.
Ben Chilwell- 7/10
Playing in a back five gives Chilwell a license to charge forward, and the defender took full advantage today. Often looking like more of an attacker than defender, Chilwell spurred a huge chance when Havertz sent him through on goal with a chipped pass. He did get the crucial assist with an inch-perfect corner to Fofana who broke the deadlock.
Enzo Fernández- 6/10
A solid performance from Fernández today. The Argentinian played twelve long balls today, with ten of them hitting their target. Playing next to Kovačić and with three centre-backs behind him, it felt like Fernández was allowed to express himself more on the pitch compared to recent games.
Mateo Kovačić- 7/10
A good performance from the Croatian back in the starting lineup. Despite being outmanned in midfield Kovačić made six tackles in the game, more than anyone else on the pitch. He was subbed off midway through the second half.
João Félix- 5/10
The Portuguese attacker struck the bar early in the game, striking a half volley from outside the box which came so close to breaking the deadlock. From that point, however, Félix drifted out of the game and was hardly involved before being substituted in the second half.
Kai Havertz- 4/10
How did Havertz fail to score after being sent through one on one? The German just seems to have no confidence in front of goal. He did play a very good chipped pass to Chilwell which should have resulted in a goal.
Raheem Sterling- 6/10
Sterling could have ended the game with two assists. A good through ball to Havertz and a well-played cutback toJoão Félix. After that, however, he drifted out of the game, before he was substituted mid-way through the second half.
Subs
Connor Gallagher- 7/10
A strong substitute appearance from the Englishman. Gallagher played a good over-the-top pass late in the game and looked lively on the pitch. A fantastic bit of play in the corner keeping the ball in play resulted in a late chance for the Blues.
Denis Zakaria- 6/10
Brought on in the second half, Zakaria’s job was to help control the midfield. The Swiss international did well, ensuring the Blues maintained their hold on the game and came out with all three points.
Carney Chukwuemeka- N/A
Noni Madueke- N/A
Trevoh Chalobah- N/A
Graham Potter- 6/10
Finally a win for Graham Potter. It wasn’t pretty, and it certainly wasn’t easy, but three points were vital today. A change in formation helped see the Blues to victory, but the performance was not hugely improved. The substitutions felt extremely negative, but they did pay off as Chelsea held on to win. A big game against Borussia Dortmund awaits.
Twitter- @Kieranroy1
