Chelsea 1-0 Leeds United: 3 takeaways as Wesley Fofana delivers the win

Back three does a sensational job without Thiago Silva

Without the Brazilian captain manning the middle of the defense of the Blues, players had to step-up. Step-up they did. Potter decided to move from a back four to a back three that featured three nature central defenders. At times, Leeds United’s attack found their way through, but at no moment did it feel as if any of the players on the backline were going to panic. It was the first clean sheet for the Blues since Feb. 3 against Fulham.

Kalidou Koulibaly was especially impressive after a tenure in west London that has been filled with bumps in the road. With Thiago Silva out, someone needed to fill the role as the experienced leader. From timely tackles to impressive recoveries, the Senegalese defender was one of CFC’s most impressive players through 90 minutes. He completed over 97 percent of his passes and led the Blues in blocks with three on the day.

Many thought the former Napoli man could be moving on from west London considering how his season went. This four-game stretch which includes three starts has brought Koulibaly back into the conversation as a consistent starter.

Benoit Badiashile, and Fofana complemented Koulibaly well on the wings, combining for a jaw-dropping 19 progressive passes between the two of them. Composed, and controlled. In a game that Potter’s men had to have, the three in the back proved the manager right in his formation change. A truly gritty display from the defense of the Blues on Saturday afternoon. A group a players that have not even much of the pitch together, it at all were able to lead CFC to an essential victory at home.