Leeds Beat Chelsea 3-1 To Climb Out Of Relegation Zone

Leeds delivered a crucial and emotionally charged victory at Elland Road, defeating Chelsea to climb out of the Premier League relegation zone at a time when it mattered most.

With reports swirling this week that Daniel Farke’s job was under threat, the German manager watched his side respond in style with a fearless and disciplined performance that overwhelmed a heavily rotated Chelsea team, who slipped to fifth on the table as a result.

Leeds set the tone early when defender Jaka Bijol rose highest from a corner to power home a superb header and give the hosts a dream start. The pressure continued, and Ao Tanaka doubled the lead with a stunning strike from the edge of the box, rifling the ball into the net for his first Premier League goal. The effort also made history as the first goal scored by an Asian player for Leeds in the competition.

Chelsea attempted a response after the break, with Enzo Maresca making a double substitution at half-time. One of those changes paid off when Pedro Neto pulled a goal back, finishing at the far post after a dangerous delivery from Jamie Gittens.

Cole Palmer returned to action for the first time since September and nearly drew Chelsea level, but after a powerful run down the left by Alejandro Garnacho, he pulled his shot wide of the target.

Leeds made Chelsea pay for that missed opportunity late on. Sloppy defending from Tosin inside the box allowed Noah Okafor to steal possession in the six-yard area, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was left with a simple tap-in to seal a famous 3–1 victory.

The result lifts Leeds out of the relegation zone and eases the immediate pressure on Farke, while Chelsea are left to reflect on a damaging defeat.