Leeds United fell to their first Premier League defeat under Javi Gracia as they lost 1-0 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Here’s the winners and losers from the clash.
Winners
Mateo Joseph
The fact Gracia turned to the young Spaniard in the 67th minute of the game seemed to say a great deal about how impressed he has been with the teenager over the last week or so. Joseph has been in good from with the Under-21s, scoring in their victory over Southampton last month to help the youth side return to the top of the Premier League 2 Division 2 table and he was rewarded with a lengthy stint at Stamford Bridge.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings as Rutter, Aaronson and Harrison struggle in Chelsea loss
Unfortunately, he couldn’t make too much of an impact after replacing Georginio Rutter, but he did manage to dig out an effort in the closing moments of the game, forcing Kepa Arrizabalaga into a save.
The backline
They were kept busy by Chelsea, particularly in the first 30 minutes of the game, but Luke Ayling, Robin Koch, Max Wober and Junior Firpo turned in strong displays at Stamford Bridge. The quartet were asked questions by a fierce early press, but they weathered the storm well and held firm.
The goal eventually came in the second half, but it was Weston McKennie found wanting as Wesley Fofana leapt above him to nod the ball home. Gracia has spoken about trying to make Leeds hard to break down and he seems to be making strides on that front.
Losers
Patrick Bamford
Bamford just can’t catch a break as injury problems continue to blight his season for the Whites. The striker was left at home for the clash after picking up a leg injury in midweek and that presented the opportunity for Georginio Rutter to make his first Premier League start for the Whites.
Gracia confirmed in his pre-match interview that he hopes to see Bamford return to action in time to be involved in next week’s game against Brighton and Hove Albion, but the injury is just the latest setback Bamford has experienced this season.
Wilfried Gnonto
The Italian had started 11 straight Premier League games for the Whites before the trip to west London but Javi Gracia made the decision to drop him to the bench. Gnonto probably hasn’t been able to make the desired impact in recent weeks, but the decision to go with Jack Harrison on the left over the teenager still came as a bit of a surprise.
Gracia eventually looked his way in the 67th minute but the Italian couldn't make an impression on the contest.
Georginio Rutter
It’s fair to say he probably failed to make the most of his first Premier League start for the Whites. He will have approached the game with plenty of confidence after playing well in midweek against Fulham at Craven Cottage, but he just couldn’t get a sniff at Chelsea.
He regularly squandered possession and he looked lost at times as Chelsea’s towering centre-backs dominated Leeds’ forward line. He’s young and he will take time to settle, but he struggled to shine at the Bridge.
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