CHELSEA produced an improved performance as they fought to a priceless 1-0 victory over Leeds at Stamford Bridge.
Boss Graham Potter went into the match under mounting pressure.
The former Brighton manager came out fighting pre-match, insisting that he felt the support of the board.
But the mood around Chelsea appeared to be an ominous one going into today’s must-win game.
The Blues started each half far more on the front foot than in recent clashes with Tottenham and particularly Southampton.
Wesley Fofana’s 53rd minute header calmed the nerves around Stamford Bridge, and proved enough to hand Potter’s men a vital three points.
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SunSport’s Etienne Fermie rates each Chelsea performer on the day.
Kepa Arrizabalaga – 6
Virtually a spectator in the first half.
Fortunate to get away with fumbling a Leeds cut-back, albeit with the flag subsequently going up.
Wesley Fofana – 7
Headed Ben Chilwell’s inviting 12th minute corner over the bar, but would put that right in the second-half. Required treatment after being clattered by Luke Ayling.
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Scored a precious, rare Chelsea goal on 53 minutes, heading home Chilwell’s out-swinging corner. Booked for preventing a counter-attack.
Kalidou Koulibaly – 7
Some cumbersome moments early on but also produced a crucial last-ditch challenge towards the end of the first half and was solid in the second.
Senegalese defender will have to be a leader at the back with Thiago Silva out for up to six weeks.
Benoit Badiashile – 7
Frenchman looks a steal at £35million from Monaco.
The 21-year-old looks tailor-made for the Premier League and an ideal fit for the left of a back three.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 6
Deployed at right wing-back in Reece James’ absence, the England international curled in some inviting crosses.
Would much rather be stationed in midfield, but Loftus-Cheek is capable of doing a decent job on the flank.
Mateo Kovacic – 6
Croatian was given the captain’s armband in the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta, Reece James and Thiago Silva.
Midfielder put himself about without making a huge impression on the match.
Enzo Fernandez – 7
Tried to get Chelsea on the front foot by haring after Leeds’ midfielders.
The Argentine will grow into his role at Stamford Bridge, and is already displaying signs of class.
Ben Chilwell – 8
Always an outlet on the left flank. Stabbed a brilliant chance wide on the half hour.
Chilwell provided brilliant set-piece deliveries all day, with Fofana heading one home in the 53rd minute.
Raheem Sterling – 7
Excellent cut-back to Joao Felix, with the Portuguese striking the bar. Prodded a glorious chance over right at the start of the second-half.
Provided exceptional direct running at the Leeds defence, if not quite the end product.
Joao Felix – 7
Desperately unlucky not to break the deadlock on 22 minutes, winning the ball back in his own half before striking the crossbar from the edge of the box later in the move.
The Portuguese loanee was bright and provided plenty of energy and moments of quality before being replaced by Conor Gallagher.
Kai Havertz – 5
Wasted a 15th minute one-on-one after being played in by Raheem Sterling, seeing his chipped effort stopped by Illan Meslier.
Things aren’t falling for the German at the moment, and he again failed to leave much of an impression this afternoon.
Substitutes
Conor Gallagher (for Felix, 68 ) – 6
Countered brilliantly before trying to tee up Chukwuemeka. Plenty of direct running.
Denis Zakaria (for Sterling, 68) – 5
Didn’t make much of an impression after coming on.
Carney Chukwuemeka (for Kovacic, 75) – 5
Tired to cut inside when a shot appeared to be on.
Noni Madueke (for Fernandez, 84) – N/A
Didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
Trevoh Chalobah (Loftus-Cheek, 84) – N/A
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Came on to shore up the Blues’ back line late on.
Subs not used: Bettinelli, Mudryk, Ziyech, Aubameyang
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
