It’s easy to look at last night’s result against Chelsea in isolation and lose our collective minds. In fact, judging by some of the comments I’ve seen across social media, that’s exactly what seems to have happened to sections of the fanbase. But perspective is important, because despite a second half which still boggles the mind, Leeds were completely and utterly dominant throughout the first 45 minutes.
The first half was another display which showed just how far this side has come, with the commentators on Sky Sports purring about Leeds now looking comfortably like “an established Premier League side”. This is only our second season back in the Premier League following promotion, and our starting XI featured eight changes from the draw against Brighton at the weekend. Think about the progress we’ve made from that drab fixture against Sheffield Wednesday’s kids around this time last year.
Obviously, it’s difficult to fathom exactly what happened during those crazy 45 minutes after the break. But again, context matters. Chelsea were in such dire straits at half-time that they felt the need to make four changes, bringing on Reece James, Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer. Those four players alone cost more than the entire 16 players who featured for Leeds last night. Hell, those four players cost more than the 49ers paid to buy Leeds United.
Was the second half concerning? Of course it was. But let’s stay calm.
Naturally, a cup run would have been nice, but the ultimate aim this season is once again survival. Let’s put this one out of our minds because this squad has earned our trust. They’ve shown us how solid they can be, they’ve shown us the progress they’ve made, and we’ll put this one down to a blip.
But fuck you, Jarred Gillett.
Chelsea vs Leeds United: Player Ratings
Michael Zetterer – 1
Zetterer has clearly been bought because he is comfortable with the ball at his feet. But Chelsea had six shots on target in the second half and scored all six. At least pretend to try and save one of them. I’ve given him a 1 because of some nice passes, but let’s not pretend this was anything other than disastrous. Even Paul Rachubka couldn’t believe his eyes.
James Justin – 4
Had some nice moments throughout the first half and popped up in the box with a header for a great chance. Made a beautiful sliding challenge in our box to prevent another Chelsea goal. But ultimately, he was part of a defence that completely crumbled in the second half.
Jaka Bijol – 3
Oh dear, Jaka. Looked all at sea throughout the second half despite being entirely comfortable in the first. A game to forget, and you feel like his place in the starting lineup is now in real jeopardy.
Tarik Muharemović – 5
A great reaction header in the first half drew a top save out of Penders, and I thought, “What does he have to do to score?” He then popped up soon after with an even better header to put United into the lead. At that point, I thought we were going to have to build him a statue. Unfortunately, he was part of the same defence that completely fell to pieces after the break.
Daniel James – 3
Got forward well in the first half and put a beautiful cross into the box. Gave away the penalty which ultimately allowed Chelsea back into the game. No matter how soft it was, he gave the referee a reason to give it.
Melvin Bard – 4
I couldn’t believe my eyes at half-time when journalists paid to cover Leeds United were criticising Bard’s performance. I thought he looked solid and dependable throughout the first half. Okay, he misplaced some passes which drew the ire of Farke, but he was making his debut for a new side a week after signing and doesn’t speak English. It will take time for him to get used to his new teammates.
He doesn’t get forward as much as Gabi, but I pointed this out in my signing piece on the player. If that’s what Beren and Isaac are referring to, then maybe they should do a little more research.
Sean Longstaff – 3
What an odd, odd player Sean Longstaff is. Looked fantastic throughout pre-season and put forward a real claim to be a starter. Then the season started, and he has been so poor.
Failed to shield the defence from Chelsea’s onslaught and failed to contribute in an attacking sense, blasting over one good opportunity. Very clearly fourth choice now.
Ethan Ampadu – 4
This rating would have been so different if the game had ended at half-time. Laid down a marker with some crunching challenges and, when Leeds were on top, he was able to dictate play.
Unfortunately, the Leeds midfield parted like the Red Sea too many times throughout the second half, and Palmer picked the ball up far too often in spaces that Ampadu should have been occupying.
Brenden Aaronson – 3
Goal aside, Aaronson was appalling. Throughout the entire first half, he was the place where attacks went to die. Heavy touches, poor passes, loss of possession, lots of endeavour.
A great finish for the goal, but he has no right to be an automatic starter based on this performance.
Harry Wilson – 3
Continued to underwhelm, unfortunately. Lots was expected of Wilson when he was signed on a free following the expiration of his Fulham contract. He has failed to catch fire so far, but it’s still early in the season.
Lukas Nmecha – 3
Showed moments of quality throughout the first half, and his touch for the second goal was a real touch of class. But the ball failed to stick with him on too many occasions, and he has a bad habit of backing into his defender before falling to the ground looking for free kicks that just aren’t going to be given.
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Leeds shirts from years gone by.
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