Wesley Fofana header gives Chelsea crucial 1- 0 winner against Leeds to slightly ease pressure on Graham Potter, first goal in over 400 minutes

 

Chelsea finally rediscovered the ability to score as they beat Leeds 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Graham Potter’s side earned him a brief period of respite as Wesley Fofana netted their first goal in over 400 minutes of football and was helped by his teammates to see out an important victory.

The game began with a fast start from the Blues, who made their attacking intentions clear from the very beginning.

It was seemingly a more ruthless approach from Chelsea, who have been criticised for their passive attitude up front in recent months.

Crosses into the box and more direct passes were key to the creation of several first-half chances, with one of these passes putting Kai Havertz through on goal.

A big save from Ilan Meslier denied the German, who should have done better with his finish.

Not long later, a slick attacking move driven by Enzo Fernandez saw Raheem Sterling set up Joao Felix, who clattered the crossbar with an impressive effort on the half-volley.

Towards the end of the first 45 though, it was Leeds who went on the front foot with Crysencio Summerville looking particularly dangerous.

Regardless, it was goalless when the whistle blew for half-time.

With Aston Villa 1-0 up against Crystal Palace at the break, the Blues had fallen into the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Thankfully for Potter though, this did not last long.

Wesley Fofana put Chelsea in front against Leeds seven minutes after half-time, rising highest to meet Ben Chilwell’s corner and powering his header past Meslier to make it 1-0.

It was the Blues’ first goal in over 400 minutes of football and sparked scenes of relief around Stamford Bridge.

This relief was shortlived though, as Leeds went back on the front foot in response.

What followed was a nervy 40 minutes in which the visitors had the better chances, but were unable to take any of them.

Chelsea emerged victorious and will now take the much-needed morale boost into their massive Champions League last-16 second leg as they look to overturn their 1-0 deficit against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.