Independent
It transpires there are worse sights for Thomas Tuchel on the touchline than Antonio Conte refusing to look him in the eye during a perfunctory handshake. Back in the dugout while he appeals against last week’s red card, the Chelsea manager saw his side overrun and overcome, their first defeat of the season inflicted by Leeds’ frenetic football. Tuchel prizes control and Leeds’ inspired brand of chaos brought them victory over historic rivals for the first time since 2002 and their biggest since 1995.
The manner of defeat was as chastening as the score itself. Chelsea conceded from a set-piece for a second successive match. Edouard Mendy gifted Leeds their opener. Perhaps sieving three goals will strengthen Tuchel’s case that Chelsea need to bid still more for Wesley Fofana to bolster his defence. Instead, the centre-back he has bought, Kalidou Koulibaly, was sent off as he could not cope with Leeds’ speed; much like Tuchel, suspension beckons for him. As it is, his transfer outlay is approaching the £200 million mark and it did Chelsea precious little good. Leeds assembled some high numbers of their own in the running statistics of Jesse Marsch’s workaholics.
This was a wonderful afternoon for the American. If staying up in dramatic fashion last season may remain the finest day of his reign, this was the best result and performance. Leeds were beaten 3-0 by Chelsea three months ago and there was a role reversal in the scoreline.
Leeds had the wrong sort of 100 percent record against the top six last season, losing all 12 games, conceding 47 goals. A transformation was also the endorsement of an ethos, of high-intensity running. Hassling and harrying brought the first goal. Marcelo Bielsa famously ignored set-pieces but Marsch has devoted more time to them and a free kick yielded their second. The supporters who idolised Bielsa ended up chorusing his replacement’s name.
Victory came courtesy of two goals in five first-half minutes and his flagship signing. Brenden Aaronson was an irrepressible irritant. He was both distance runner and sprinter. He had completed 5.9km by half-time and it felt more. Aaronson claimed Leeds’ winner against Southampton. There was no doubt he scored their opener here and few goals will come from closer range.
If it was the product of Marsch’s beloved pressing, it was also embarrassing for Mendy. Even Kepa Arrizabalaga, with his litany of blunders, rarely conceded in such a calamitous fashion but when Thiago Silva passed the ball back to his goalkeeper, Mendy dallied, Aaronson pounced, robbing him and rolling the ball over the line. Marsch set off down the touchline in celebration which, as Tuchel had done likewise seven days earlier, was scarcely something he could complain about.
Aaronson led the Leeds press and scored his first Premier League goal
Chelsea struggled to find legitimate ways to stop Aaronson. Koulibaly resorted to dragging him back, collecting his first caution. Jorginho hacked him down. The summer signing had eager accomplices in tormenting Chelsea. Jack Harrison and Rodrigo each scored a goal and made one…
