Chelsea lost the 2-goal lead at Stamford Bridge and were held to a 2-2 draw by Leeds United, thereby missing the opportunity to win their fifth consecutive victory in the Premier League and rise to the top 4 to surpass Manchester United.
This is the first time coach Liam Rosenior has dropped points in the Premier League since being appointed, after winning all 4 previous matches. His only two defeats so far have come in the two Carabao Cup semi-finals against Arsenal.
After the regrettable draw against Leeds, Rosenior said that Chelsea is still on the right track and showing positive signs.
I hope everyone can see progress right now, when we have played 10 matches in 30 days. There is a clear change in what I want to see, but what I really want to see is still 3 points per week.
Honestly, I don't remember what shots or moments Leeds had that were noteworthy. Controlling the ball, pressing, fighting spirit are all things I wanted. So I am even more uncomfortable when I don't win" - The Blues captain said.
Chelsea could not regain control of the match after Lukas Nmecha scored a goal to narrow the score from the penalty spot, and just a few minutes later they conceded an equalizing goal.
We just need to handle each moment well and maintain a professional attitude. I don't think the problem lies in the reaction after the defeat. In a match, there are always times when you don't play well. The ridiculous thing is that they score 2 goals in just 5 minutes" - Rosenior emphasized.
Up to this point, Rosenior has won 7 out of 10 matches leading Chelsea. They scored 24 goals (including 5 goals against Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup), but have only kept a clean sheet in 2 matches. His playing style is not lacking in explosive moments, typically the impressive comeback from 0-2 to 3-2 against West Ham in the most recent home match.
We face many strong opponents. Leeds is in good form and is a very difficult team. We neutralize all their efforts and show that we can create opportunities from controlling the ball. That is very positive.
It's a pity that just because of a few minutes, because of wrong decisions at an important moment, we couldn't have a victory" - Rosenior added.
Losing points against Leeds United may be a warning enough to reverse the situation, just like what happened in December last year. The heavy defeat in the first leg this season has pushed a club that once nurtured championship ambitions into a vortex of chaos.
The defeat at Elland Road, taking place 8 days after the impressive 3-0 victory over Barcelona, can be seen as a turning point opening the turbulent slide under Enzo Maresca. Just one month later, with only 2 wins in 7 matches, the Italian strategist had to leave his hot seat.
Winning a ticket to the UEFA Champions League is still Chelsea's top priority and this result is likely not to have too much impact on their position. However, as happened at the end of 2025, the situation could completely change very quickly and unpredictably.
