Chelsea defeats Leeds thanks to Wesley Fofana: In a tense match against struggling Leeds United on Saturday, defender Wesley Forfana of France gave Chelsea a rare goal and a Premier League victory, relieving coach Graham Potter of some burden.
In spite of Chelsea’s first-half dominance and the on-loan Portuguese player Joao Felix’s shot against the crossbar, Fofana did not score from Ben Chilwell’s corner until the 53rd minute. The goal, which was only the second to be scored at home in 2023, was met with shock and relief by the crowd.
Potter’s team had not won since January 15 and were forced to defend heavily in the second half as Leeds, who had only collected six points away from home all year, looked for an equalizer.
“It’s a confidence boost and a morale boost,” Potter said, while Leeds coach Javi Gracia, who took over at the Yorkshire club only 10 days ago, described the defeat as “frustrating”.
In the first half, Chelsea had two excellent opportunities, including one in the 15th minute when Kai Havertz, who had been sent through on goal, delayed half a second too long to fire and had his chip superbly saved by advancing goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
PLAYER RATINGS
Chelsea: Arrizabalaga 7, Fofana 9, Koulibaly 8, Badiashile 8, Loftus-Cheek 7, Chilwell 7, Enzo 7, Kovacic 7, Sterling 7, Havertz 7, Felix 7 Subs: Gallagher 7, Chukwuemeka 7, Zakaria 7, Madueke N/A, Chalobah N/A
Leeds United: Meslier 6, Firpo 6, Wober 7, Koch 6, Ayling 6, McKennie 6, Adams 7, Harrison 6, Aaronson 6, Summerville 7, Rutter 6 Subs: Gnonto 6, Joseph 6, Greenwood 6
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Joao Felix received the ball from Raheem Sterling seven minutes later, but his effort struck the crossbar.
Fofana headed over the bar from a corner, and Joao Felix also missed a shot after a Chilwell cross.
Chelsea’s wingback Chilwell, who has missed much of the season due to injury, made the difference and was involved in most of their risky plays along with Joao Felix and Sterling.
Ben has become stronger over the past several weeks, and tonight, he was incredibly effective and helped our first-half performance, according to Potter.
Chelsea defeats Leeds thanks to Wesley Fofana
Midway through the second half, when Potter took off Sterling and Joao Felix, Leeds drove forward but ultimately came up empty, pinning the home team back.
Both Weston McKennie and the captain, Luke Ayling, missed their second-half attempts. Meslier joined his teammates for a corner in stoppage time and connected with the ball, but his powerful header sailed right into Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arms.
A boost before their second leg Champions League match against Dortmund at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, when they must score twice to overturn a 1-0 lead, the tight and less than convincing victory puts Chelsea in 10th position. It’s a huge game, Potter said.
Leeds is still one point away from being relegated.
