Chelsea player ratings vs. Leeds: Lampard’s Blues beat Bielsa’s side
![LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with teammates Olivier Giroud and Ben Chilwell after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on December 05, 2020 in London, England. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 05: Kurt Zouma of Chelsea celebrates with teammates Olivier Giroud and Ben Chilwell after scoring their team's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on December 05, 2020 in London, England. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3207676d20ad119ff9ec1399848d0d494f292d2a733880019a91ad2410fbab28.jpg)
Chelsea gives Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds a history lesson as the Blues school the Whites at Stamford Bridge to temporarily go top.
Chelsea renewed its rivalry with Leeds United as the two sides met for the first time in the top flight since 2004. It was a nervous 90-minute affair, but the Blues got it done in the end. Leeds netted the opener within four minutes of the opening whistle, but once Chelsea pulled one back, it was game over. Frank Lampard’s side grew increasingly confident as the match went on and Marcelo Bielsa’s side was too shellshocked to think.
The Blues posted their highest xG of the season and set multiple records en route to the historic win. Lampard’s side became the first in the Premier League this season to outrun Bielsa’s bustling boys. Further, Chelsea is the first team to beat Bielsa’s Leeds when the Whites score first on the road. The 3-1 win was a complete team performance, but how did the Blues perform as individuals?
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Edouard Mendy (Goalkeeper): 7
As Chicken Little once said: “the sky is falling!” Edouard Mendy didn’t keep a clean sheet, but that’s all right. Mendy showed he is human after all, making the wrong judgement call to come out of goal. This decision allowed Patrick Bamford to waltz in for the Leeds opener. That’s not to say Mendy was directly at fault—it was a perfectly weighted pass to the former Chelsea man—but he played the biggest part. He did well not to get himself sent off and he was superb the rest of the way.
Reece James (Right back): 9
Reece James is now entering the world class right back discussion. Yes, I said it, and I mean it. James was easily one of the best players on the pitch against Leeds. The Englishman assisted Olivier Giroud’s opener, put Bamford on his behind in a bust-up and locked down the entire right side of the field. He continues to excel both in the back line and in attack; a player mature beyond his years and a superstar in the making.
Kurt Zouma (Centerback): 8.5
Is there anything Kurt Zouma can’t do? Usually that’s a rhetorical question, but after playing 90 minutes of lockdown defense and netting a fourth Premier League goal—best on the team alongside Timo Werner. The centerback recently turned 26 and to be honest, there aren’t many defenders in the world that Blues fans would take over the Frenchman for the future. Zouma is Chelsea through and through, thank goodness for that.
Thiago Silva (Centerback): 8.5
Thiago Silva oozes class. Many wondered how he would cope with the pace and physicality of the Premier League, but the generational centerback has excelled. He put his body on the line on multiple occasions, coming up big in crucial moments. Silva’s calm and composed personality is a huge reason the Blues were able to stay in the match early on, even when being dominated.
Ben Chilwell (Left back): 8
Ben Chilwell did it all in his first match in front of the Chelsea faithful. The English fullback was up to his usual antics, including whipping in inch-perfect crosses, tracking back with pace and dazzling spectators with a splendid first touch. He also made dashing runs into the Leeds midfield, weaving his way into passing lanes and dumping it off to his teammates in advanced positions. The match showed us Chilwell at his best.