Wesley Fofana’s header secured a much-needed win for Chelsea as they defeated Leeds United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
The victory ended Chelsea’s dismal run of three consecutive defeats without scoring and eased the pressure on head coach Graham Potter, who had been under increasing speculation over his position.
Chelsea started the game with great tempo, and Fofana missed a good chance to put them ahead when he headed Ben Chilwell’s corner over. Kai Havertz should have opened the scoring, but he was denied by Illan Meslier. Chelsea’s finishing continued to let them down, as an unmarked Chilwell volleyed wide from inside the penalty area.
The elusive goal finally arrived in the 53rd minute when Fofana rose highest to meet Chilwell’s corner, and a powerful header from six yards out gave Meslier no chance.
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Leeds reacted well, with Tyler Adams narrowly missing with a right-foot strike, and Georginio Rutter seeing his effort blocked by Kalidou Koulibaly.
Chelsea passed up half-chances at the other end, yet Leeds lacked the quality in the final third to inflict any punishment. Meslier’s header at the end of the game from a corner was easily saved by Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The win was a huge relief for Chelsea, who had gone six Premier League games without a victory since defeating Crystal Palace 1-0 on January 15.
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Although they were not convincing, Potter will be happy to have secured a win, and the run of failing to score more than once in a Premier League game is now up to 10.
Leeds, on the other hand, suffered their first top-flight defeat under new boss Javi Gracia, and their sixth successive top-flight defeat at Stamford Bridge. Before Arsenal came from two goals down to beat Bournemouth 3-2, they were in the relegation zone.
In summary, Fofana’s goal eased the pressure on Potter and secured a much-needed victory for Chelsea, who ended their run of three consecutive defeats without scoring.
Leeds, however, failed to capitalize on their half-chances and suffered their sixth successive top-flight defeat at Stamford Bridge.