Leeds United eased relegation fears and gave under-pressure head coach Daniel Farke breathing space after a 3–1 win over Chelsea at Elland Road.
With West Ham not playing until Thursday, Leeds seized the chance to climb three points clear of the bottom three, punishing a lifeless Chelsea display.
Despite arriving on a four-match losing run, Leeds started sharply and were rewarded after six minutes when Jaka Bijol powered in a header from Anton Stach’s corner. Pascal Struijk nearly added a second before the hosts doubled their advantage just before halftime, Ao Tanaka drilling a low strike from distance after Chelsea surrendered possession cheaply.
Chelsea responded early in the second half as substitute Pedro Neto arrived at the back post to volley home. Cole Palmer also returned from injury and came close, curling a shot narrowly wide.
Any hope of a comeback evaporated 18 minutes from time. Noah Okafor pounced on hesitation by Tosin Adarabioyo inside the Chelsea box, forcing a mix-up that allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to tap into an open net.
The result lifts Leeds out of the danger zone and piles more scrutiny on Chelsea, who lacked urgency and invention throughout. Not pretty, but Leeds needed the points more, and Chelsea practically gift wrapped them.
