Chelsea threw a two-goal lead away as Leeds United scored twice in six minutes to salvage a 2-2 draw. And supporters are far from happy with one player’s performance at Stamford Bridge.
The hosts, looking to build on their good form under new boss Liam Rosenior, made a bright start to the game and went in front in the 24th minute. Cole Palmer slid the ball through to Joao Pedro, and the Brazilian produced a delightful finish.
Continuing to apply pressure throughout the first 45 minutes and after the interval, Chelsea then doubled their advantage from the penalty spot. Joao Pedro was bundled over by Jaka Bijol, and Palmer made no mistake from 12 yards.
Mohamed Salah could never quite get to grips with life in London. But 11 years after his departure, and now he’s hunting down a Ballon d’Or.
However, the match then turned on its head following a poor challenge from Moises Caicedo inside the penalty area. Costing his side a penalty, Lucas Nmecha grabbed one back for the visitors with a powerful strike.
Just minutes later, calamity struck for the home side as the defence failed to clear their lines on several occasions. The comedy of errors meant that Noah Okafor only needed to tap the ball into an empty net for the equaliser.
Chelsea wrestled control back as the minutes ticked down. Joao Pedro hit the bar with a header in added time before Cole Palmer skied an effort over from a yard out, as the west Londoners dropped two huge points in the race for top four.
Star’s Woeful Performance Costs Chelsea vs Leeds
With an hour on the clock, it seemed as though Chelsea were cruising to a result on Tuesday night. Everyone was playing at a high level, with Rosenior’s setup allowing them to regularly exploit Leeds’ backline.
But that all changed when Caicedo gave away a needless penalty. So often the man the Blues can rely upon in the biggest of moments, switching off for a momentary second allowed the Yorkshire team back into the game. And once momentum swung, an equaliser felt inevitable.
Had the Ecuador international been at the races for the rest of the game, though, all might have been forgiven. But it was an uncharacteristically shaky display from the midfield enforcer, with him losing possession on 11 occasions, with some of those mistakes being made in dangerous areas.
Often the shield for the team, his tough tackling deserted him on Tuesday night. Caicedo managed to win just one of his three tackles, losing out in three duels too.
Having been regarded as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders earlier in the season, levels have dipped lately which will be a slight concern for supporters. For Chelsea to end the season in as strong a manner as possible, it’s imperative that one of their most important players bounces back from this.
Check Out Caicedo’s Statistics From the Game Below:
Moises Caicedo’s Statistics vs Leeds United
Minutes
90
Key Passes
1
Passing Accuracy
66/73 (90%)
Possession Lost
11
Defensive Contributions
6
Tackles (Won)
3 (1)
Ground Duels (Won)
5 (3)
Aerial Duels (Won)
1 (0)
Dribbled Past
1
Penalties Committed
1
Chelsea Fans Turn on Caicedo For His Performance vs Leeds
Although many fans will cut Caidcedo slack considering he’s typically the standard-setter in the team, some have been unable to keep their frustration to themselves. One, writing on X, said: “Caicedo cost Chelsea this game out of nowhere. Going into silly tackles without a single thought and not for the first time this season either.”
Another added: “What is Caicedo doing? He’s been the problem in this game!” To which one more responded: “Caicedo has been poor for a while ngl. He has credit in the bank of course but man it’s cost us today most likely.”
A fellow Blue called for improvements, writing: “Caicedo has been terrible today, I’m afraid he needs to step up.” While one more went further, saying: “Caicedo disasterclass this game.”
One more said: “I know he is out of form but I think Caicedo may single-handedly have cost us this game.” And a final individual wrote: “It hasn’t been a good game from Caicedo today. He’s given away too many balls and needless fouls and icing on the cake was conceding a penalty.”
Russia’s return to the Olympic Games could have a knock-on effect on their national football team, who have sat out this summer’s World Cup.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provisionally lifted Russia’s suspension from global competition. This has sparked backlash, particularly from Ukrainian sportspeople, including Wimbledon star Marta Kostyuk, who called the decision “terrible.”
Russia has been banned from FIFA and UEFA competitions since the war in Ukraine in March 2022. The nation’s football teams have since sat out World Cup qualifiers for the 2022 and 2026 tournaments.
FIFA and UEFA Stance on Russia Ban
Despite the IOC’s decision to provisionally lift Russia’s suspension, UEFA are prepared to block Russian teams from returning to international football. That means the country is the only UEFA member association that can’t enter the Euro 2028 qualifying process.
While UEFA haven’t commented, The Guardian claims that several national associations have said there is “no realistic prospect of Russian sides being welcomed back into European football. That also includes the 2030 World Cup because while it is a FIFA tournament, European qualifying is handled by UEFA.
FIFA are expected to review their position on its ban on Russian teams, which has been in place for four years. They have confirmed that they will “analyse the decision before deciding on next steps.”
Both football governing bodies have been embroiled in a stand-off recently amid FIFA’s decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card at the World Cup. This allowed Balogun to play in the USA’s 4-1 loss to Belgium in their Round of 16 clash.
US President Donald Trump confirmed that he called FIFA President Gianni Infantino and asked that the one-game ban be reviewed. He then thanked the sporting body for making the “right decision.”
UEFA responded with a lengthy statement, hitting out at FIFA and expressing its “disbelief at such an unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable decision.” Should FIFA opt to follow the IOC in lifting its ban on Russian teams, it will only further harm the two organisations’ relationship.
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World Cup History Quiz
You scored
out of 20
Infantino Presidency Could be Key
REUTERS/Henry Romero
Infantino has already hinted at welcoming Russia back to world football, and he holds a close relationship with Vladimir Putin. They worked together when the 2018 World Cup was staged in Russia.
The FIFA President claimed in February: “This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.”
Infantino has come under fire during the build-up and throughout the World Cup for letting politics influence sporting decisions. Many are calling for his removal from his position following the Balogun controversy.
European lawmakers are reportedly gathering evidence to launch a probe into FIFA and Infantino. Should an investigation take place, it could affect any decision to lift the ban on Russian teams.
Manchester United have been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni after he agreed a contract extension at the Bernabeu, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils have been pushing to upgrade their midfield options this summer after Casemiro departed at the end of his contract, while Manuel Ugarte has suffered a serious knee injury at the World Cup, leaving Michael Carrick short of options in the middle of the park.
A deal for Ederson has already been agreed with Atalanta, while United also agreed a £50m deal with Chelsea for Andrey Santos on Wednesday afternoon, adding two new faces to the squad. But they now look set to miss out on another top target after Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes.
Tottenham Hotspur are having a dream summer transfer window so far, and they’re ready to go all in to get another deal over the line, according to reports in Spain.
The north London side have completed six deals already for manager Roberto De Zerbi as they plan a major overhaul following two consecutive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka, Jan Paul van Hecke, Mateus Fernandes, and Sandro Tonali all arriving.
But the club are not done there and are now looking to add a new forward to their squad, with one name in particular seen as the dream target.
Tottenham Ready to Go All Out for Kroupi
It’s been reported that Spurs are looking to complete a deal to bolster their forward line with Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi this summer, with a £75m bid being prepared to try and tempt the Cherries.
Bournemouth are adamant they will not sell the Frenchman, who has been described as ‘world-class’, but that has not deterred De Zerbi’s side, as they look to make a real splash in the market to get back towards the top end of the table.
Tottenham are not the only team showing an interest in the record-breaking 20-year-old, who managed 13 Premier League goals last season, with Barcelona and champions Arsenal also keen.
However, it’s reported that Tottenham are ready to go ‘all out’ to get a deal over the line, with De Zerbi understood to be thrilled at the prospect of having him as part of his squad for the upcoming campaign. The Italian is urging club bosses to accelerate their interest, as he looks to add a top striker to the project.
Bournemouth, however, have not budged on their stance, and with no release clause in his contract, it will take an astronomical offer to convince them to change their position.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Kroupi Would Be Huge Statement for Spurs
AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi celebratesvia Reuters
Kroupi’s performances in the Premier League last season have made him one of the most sought-after attacking talents in the market this summer, and it’s no surprise Bournemouth don’t want to lose him.
Double European champions PSG are also said to be in the running to get him in, with an £87m offer reportedly in the works. But Spurs would be willing to watch that, and if they can beat the French side to a signing for a top young forward, that would be a huge statement.
De Zerbi has made his demands clear, and the club have shown they are not afraid to splash the cash this summer, so this is one to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.
