Leeds United snapped a four-game losing streak in style by beating Chelsea 3-1 in Wednesday’s meeting at Elland Road.
Buoyed by their second-half display against Manchester City last time out, Leeds made a bright start to proceedings.
The hosts were duly rewarded with the game’s opener six minutes in as Jaka Bijol got on the end of Anton Stach’s corner to break the deadlock.
Leeds remained in the ascendancy and came close to punishing Chelsea from another corner in the 16th minute, with Pascal Struijk sending a header just wide.
After comfortably being second best for the early exchanges of the contest, the away side started to make some inroads into opposition territory.
Estevao had a crack at goal for Chelsea after 25 minutes, but his effort was deflected wide.
Chelsea called Lucas Perri into action for the first time seven minutes shy of half-time, although Liam Delap’s effort posed little threat.
Daniel Farke’s side put themselves in pole position to secure maximum points with a second goal of the game courtesy of Ao Tanaka’s thunderbolt.
That was the half’s final moment of note, leaving Chelsea with a mountain to climb at the interval.
They responded to a shambolic first-half display by making two changes at the interval, but Leeds came out of the dressing room with more intent and started the second period on the front foot.
Substitute Pedro Neto dragged Chelsea back into the contest with his fourth goal in seven matches.
The Blues were found wanting at the back once again and conceded a third goal, only to be bailed out by the offside flag.
With 30 minutes left to play, Chelsea sent on Cole Palmer and Alejandro Garnacho to replace Liam Delap and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens.
Palmer had a glorious opportunity to level matters midway through the half but was unable to hit the target after he was found by Garnacho.
Chelsea were increasingly looking likely to restore parity before contributing to their own downfall 18 minutes from time.
Noah Okafor capitalised on a mix-up at the back, and his effort ricocheted off Sanchez into the path of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had the simple task of turning the ball home from close range.
Leeds’ third goal sucked almost every life out of Chelsea’s rescue mission, and they were unable to regain the momentum they had at 2-1 down.
Enzo Maresca’s men have dropped down to fourth in the Premier League table. Leeds are 17th in the standings but are now three points clear of the relegation zone.
