Chelsea’s close 3-2 FA Cup victory over Leeds United at Stamford Bridge certainly revealed more about Mauricio Pochettino’s team than the Championship club.
After losing the League Cup final to Liverpool on Sunday, many people expected Chelsea’s morale to be low.
This was Leeds United’s chance to pounce and inflict more misery on the club, with Mateo Joseph scoring after only eight minutes, the away side going down before the break, and Joseph even things up again just before the hour mark.
There was little doubt that Daniel Farke’s squad was superior, and it appeared like they would win until Conor Gallagher delivered a sucker punch late in the game.
Danny Mills was upset by the outcome and stated that Chelsea were ‘very, very fortunate’ in an interview with Soccer Special on Sky Sports (28/02/24 @ 21:25 pm).
The former England defender also mentioned that Dan James was causing his opposite number, Alfie Gilchrist, ‘real problems’ throughout the game, adding that he couldn’t manage the Welshman’s speed.
Leeds just need to move on fast because they have bigger fish to fry in the Championship promotion fight, whereas Chelsea has a rationale for being in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Chelsea defeated Leeds United in the FA Cup.
“I tell you, Dan James is causing Alfie Gilchrist at left-back, just come into the side, real problems,” Mills went on to say. “His pace.” Dan James’ pace will be a major challenge for him.
“As it stands, Chelsea has gotten away with one. They have not played well at all. Leeds completely dominated the second half. Conor Gallagher scored against the flow of play. Chelsea fans can’t wait until the last whistle.
“Chelsea won 3-2; they were extremely fortunate this evening. “Not convincing at all.”
Chelsea versus Leeds in the Premier League.
Farke will convey the notion that his club can make this a Premier League fixture again next season.
If the Whites perform like this in the majority of their matches from now until May, there is no reason why they shouldn’t be in control of their own destiny.
Tim Sherwood stated on the radio that he wants Leeds to return, as they compete with Leicester City, Ipswich Town, and Southampton for the top two slots.
That win against the Foxes has opened the door and drawn Leicester back into the game, but they are still expected to win.
