EPL: Chelsea Suffer 3-1 Defeat to Leeds, Title Hopes Take Hit

Leeds United stun Chelsea 3-1, hosts escape relegation zone

Leeds United beat Chelsea 3-1, moving out of the relegation zone. Ao Tanaka and Dominic Calvert-Lewin score for the hosts.

Enzo Maresca hoped that the introduction of Cole Palmer, returning after a two-month lay-off...

Leeds United secured a thrilling 3-1 win over Chelsea, lifting themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone and dealing a significant blow to Chelsea's title aspirations. This victory marks the end of a four-game losing streak for Leeds.

The Yorkshire side started with high energy, and it paid off early. Jaka Bijol scored in just five minutes, thanks to Anton Stach's precise corner kick that Bijol headed into the net.

Ao Tanaka doubled Leeds' lead before halftime, and despite Pedro Neto's goal for Chelsea, Dominic Calvert-Lewin sealed the win with a late goal, capitalizing on Tosin Adarabioyo's defensive error.

Ten minutes later, they wasted a similar opportunity, with Pascal Struijk heading harmlessly wide on this occasion.

Chelsea were below-par and second-best, but Enzo Maresca’s men looked to have at least weathered the storm by the half-hour mark, beginning to dominate possession, albeit without creating a chance of note.

However, the hosts' frantic press reaped rewards again just two minutes before the break.

A rough start to the second half for Chelsea, as Enzo Fernández's mistake gifted Brighton the ball, and Ao Tanaka seized the opportunity, unleashing a powerful shot from the edge of the area that beat Robert Sánchez and left the Chelsea goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

Brightman's break was short-lived, as Chelsea's defense regrouped and Sánchez made a crucial save to block Lukas Nmecha's clever half-volley. The away side quickly regained momentum, creating a scoring chance at the other end and grabbing a lifeline.

An incredible display from @LUFC lifts them out of the bottom three 💪 pic.twitter.com/tWHGeocJQJ

— Premier League (@premierleague) December 3, 2025

A sweeping move allowed Gittens to get to the Leeds’ byline, and his cross to the back post found half-time substitute Pedro Neto, who took a touch and poked home.

Enzo Maresca hoped that the introduction of Cole Palmer, returning after a two-month lay-off, would be the catalyst for a Chelsea comeback, but the England international fired wide when found by an Alejandro Garnacho cross.

Chelsea's struggles continued as Tosin Adarabioyo's mistake allowed Noah Okafor to set up Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the decisive goal. The England forward tapped home, sealing a disappointing night for the London side at Elland Road, where they've won just six of 49 historical away league games against Leeds

Chelsea's win over Arsenal was a one-off, as they slipped back down to earth with a 3-1 loss to Leeds. They're now fourth in the table. Leeds, on the other hand, moved three points clear of West Ham United in 17th place, breathing a sigh of relief in the relegation battle.