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George Bennett

Leeds United 'entitled to feel they deserved a draw' from Chelsea defeat

A round-up of what the national media are reporting after Leeds United's 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

'Terrible away form'

Gary Rose of BBC Sport wrote: "A significant factor in Leeds struggling near the bottom of the table this season has been their terrible away form.

"They had won just once before the trip to Stamford Bridge, picking up just six points, but they did comfortably beat Chelsea 3-0 in the reverse fixture and must have fancied their chances against a side struggling for goals.

READ MORE: Ayling's Summerville anger, Gracia's telling Leeds United touchline call and moments missed

"But that is a problem Leeds share. They have played plenty of excellent football this season but it often falls apart in the final third and once again they simply failed to trouble the opposition goalkeeper enough in this game.

"They did not manage any shots on target until the 90th minute, when goalkeeper Meslier headed a last-gasp free-kick at his Chelsea counterpart Kepa Arrizabalaga.

"A positive result at Stamford Bridge would have been a bonus for Leeds, who will likely target points elsewhere in their battle to stay in the Premier League."

'Entitled to feel they deserved a draw'

Jacob Steinberg wrote in The Guardian: "Caution was the way forward by that stage. Potter made defensive substitutions midway through the second half, inviting Leeds on, and Chelsea almost blew it.

"Not for nothing did Javi Gracia bemoan his team’s lack of luck. Luke Ayling flicked a header against the woodwork in the 90th minute and Leeds, a point above the bottom three, were entitled to feel they deserved a draw.

"Equally the visitors, who lacked bite without Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo, must become more ruthless. They remain far too wasteful and it was also odd to see them make such a diffident start given that they could have sealed Potter’s fate by handing Chelsea a third consecutive defeat."

'Rutter left isolated for sustained periods'

The Sun's Dan King wrote: "Leeds also made three changes from the side unfortunate to lose to two brilliant goals at Fulham in the FA Cup in midweek.

"From the outset it was clear that Gracia’s tactics were to soak up pressure and hope to hit the hosts on the break.

"Wingers Crysencio Summerville and Jack Harrison spent a lot of time defending, leaving centre forward Georginio Rutter, yet to score since his January arrival, isolated for extended periods."

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