Premier League

Chelsea 1 (Fofana 53’)

Leeds United 0

Chelsea: Kepa (GK), Badiashile, Enzo (Madueke 84’), Kovacic (C) (Chukwuemeka 75’), Felix (Gallagher 68’), Loftus-Cheek (Chalobah 84’), Sterling (Zakaria 68’), Chilwell, Koulibaly, Havertz, Fofana. Subs not used: Bettinelli (GK), Aubameyang, Mudryk, Ziyech. 

Leeds: Meslier (GK), Ayling (C), Firpo, Koch, Aaronson (Joseph 68’), Summerville, Harrison (Greenwood 80’), Adams, Rutter (Gnonto 68’), McKennie, Wober. Subs not used: Robles (GK), Roca, Gyabi, Struijk, Kristensen, Gray.

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Attendance: 39,905

Referee: Michael Oliver

Booked: Fofana (Chelsea) 

Leeds United were defeated away from home against Chelsea, after a second half goal from Wesley Fofana secured the points for the hosts. 

The home side started the brighter at Stamford Bridge and were on the attack early. Ben Chilwell was a main outlet for Chelsea and he was often the player given the ball, looking to drive forward down the left of the pitch. 

No early shots on goal arrived though but there were set-plays to defend. From one of Chilwell’s deliveries, Fofana had the first chance of the match, heading over the bar when well placed. 

A big chance did arrive and went the way of the hosts. Raheem Sterling broke forward and played Kai Havertz into the box, he composed himself before firing at goal, only to see Illan Meslier stand tall to deny him the opener. 

When Meslier was beaten, he could thank his crossbar for keeping the scores level. Again it was Sterling who supplied the chance, pulling the ball back to the edge of the box for Joao Felix to strike against the woodwork. 

Leeds then had a couple of chances of their own. Georginio Rutter - starting his first Premier League match - held the ball up well for Brenden Aaronson who struck at goal, but his effort was blocked. 

Moments later, Crysencio Summerville pushed forward and was brought down just outside the box. The resulting free-kick was struck well by Jack Harrison, but over the bar.  

The Whites had finished the stronger of the two teams in the opening half with Harrison and Aaronson doing well to get in behind the Chelsea defence, but the opening goal didn’t arrive as the teams went in level at the break. 

HALF TIME: Chelsea 0-0 Leeds United

No changes were made for the start of the second half at Stamford Bridge as both teams came back out looking for an opener. The first chance came for the hosts from a free-kick just outside the box, which Enzo Fernandez curled over the bar. 

However, the next set-play did bring the opener. A floated corner into the box from Chilwell saw Fofana rise highest and this time he did take the chance, heading into the roof of the net.  

From a corner of their own, Leeds came close to responding instantly. Tyler Adams picked up the ball on the edge and curled right-footed, narrowly missing the top corner as Kepa could only watch on. 

The best chance of the game for the Whites arrived bang on the hour mark. Luke Ayling crossed into box and Rutter met it with a powerful volley, only to see Kalidou Koulibaly be well-placed to block as it looked to be going into the back of the net. 

With just over 20 minutes to play, Javi Gracia went to his bench to make a double attacking change as his side searched for a leveller in the game. Mateo Joseph and Willy Gnonto came on, replacing Rutter and Aaronson. 

The changes had brought fresh impetus but the story was relatively the same - plenty of good football and good positions, but up to the 85th minute, no goals to show for it.

Into the final few moments and Junior Firpo - who had been impressive once again for Leeds - chipped a ball to the back post, which saw Ayling connect with the ball but head wide. 

One final chance came and went before the whistle. Another corner into the box saw Max Wober head back into the middle where, up from the back, Meslier was the player to connect but saw his header saved by Kepa. 

FULL TIME: Chelsea 1-0 Leeds United