Chelsea’s narrow 3-2 FA Cup win over Leeds United at Stamford Bridge probably said more about Mauricio Pochettino’s side than the Championship club.
After losing the League Cup final to Liverpool on Sunday, many knew that the morale of Chelsea was going to be on the floor.
This was Leeds United’s chance to pounce and inflict more misery on the club, with Mateo Joseph scoring after just eight minutes, then the away side falling behind before the break and Joseph levelling it up again just before the hour mark.
There was no question that Daniel Farke’s men were the better team and it looked like they were going to score the winner, before Conor Gallagher hit them with a sucker punch very late on.
Danny Mills was annoyed by that result and he made it clear that Chelsea were ‘very, very fortunate’, as he told Soccer Special on Sky Sports (28/02/24 at 21:25 pm).
The former England defender also noted how Dan James was causing his opposite number, Alfie Gilchrist, ‘real problems’ during the game and he couldn’t handle the Welshman’s pace.
Leeds simply need to move on quickly from this because they have bigger fish to fry in the Championship promotion race, whilst there is a reason why Chelsea are sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Chelsea beat 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,” said Mills. “His pace. Dan James’ pace is going to be a real issue for him.
“As it stands, Chelsea have got away with one. They haven’t played well, at all. Leeds totally dominated the second half. Conor Gallagher scored against the run of play. The Chelsea fans are absolutely desperate for the full-time whistle.
“Chelsea win 3-2, very, very fortunate this evening. Not convincing, at all.”
Chelsea v Leeds in the Premier League
That will be the message from Farke that his team can, once again, make this a Premier League fixture next season.
Perform like that in most matches from now until May, then there is no reason why it shouldn’t be, with the Whites in control of their own destiny.
Tim Sherwood made it clear on the radio that he wants Leeds to return, as they battle with Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton for the top two spots.
That win over the Foxes has opened the door wide open and dragged Leicester back into it, but you would still expect them to get over the line.
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