Chelsea went top of the table on Saturday night as the Blues battled back from a goal down to beat Leeds United 3-1 at Stamford Bridge.
James Robson was at Stamford Bridge to assess Frank Lampard’s squad…
Chelsea player ratings
Edouard Mendy 7
Caught in two minds as Leeds went ahead. Still produced an important second-half save from Raphinha as the visitors pressed.
Reece James 7
Showed his outstanding delivery to set up Giroud’s goal – but was high up the pitch Phillips’ ball found Bamford to give Leeds the lead.
Kurt Zouma 7
Allowed Bamford to get behind him to open the scoring. Struggled to get to grips with the Leeds striker, but produced some important interceptions before heading Chelsea in front.
Thiago Silva 7
Given a real test by Leeds’ rampant forward line, yet was still determined to carry the ball out from the back to start Chelsea attacks.
Ben Chilwell 6
Drove forward to be an effective outlet on the left and ensure Leeds couldn’t take too many risks.
Kai Havertz 7
Carried the ball well and his bursts towards the box helped send Leeds into retreat.
N’Golo Kante 7
Had his work cut out against a Leeds midfield that snapped and pressed for every ball, which is precisely the challenge he rises to.
Mason Mount 7
All action as usual – pressing high up to force Leeds back. A threat around the box, and his corner led to Zouma’s goal.
Hakim Ziyech 6
Injury meant he only lasted half an hour. In that time he tested Meslier within moments of kick-off and also played a major part in Giroud’s equaliser.
Olivier Giroud 7
His dream week goes on. He got his fifth goal in a matter of days and actually might have had a lot more.
Timo Werner 7
Only he will how he failed to convert from right under the bar. Showed his versatility – starting on the left and then switching to the right to stretch Leeds, but was frustrated by Meslier. Still, he had the presence of mind to set up Pulisic for his late goal.
Substitutes
Christian Pulisic (Ziyech, 30’) 7
Really bright when he came on with his positive runs to commit Leeds defenders. Got a deserved goal late on to seal victory.
Mateo Kovacic (Havertz, 67’) 6
Could consider himself unfortunate not to start, given his recent form. Effective when he came on.
Tammy Abraham (Giroud, 79’) N/A
Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Rudiger, Jorginho, Azpilicueta
