Jorginho scores a 94 th minute penalty as Chelsea comes from behind to secure a 3-2 win at home against Leeds United.
Chelsea steadied themselves after their recent wobble in form. The final whistle against Leeds United prompted almost all 22 players to rush and join the mass in a shoving match that seemed that the bragging rights were almost more important than the three points.
Chelsea were boosted by the return of Jorginho and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to the fold although Tuchel’s injury list is still a bit longer. As such, Jorginho played the entire match despite suffering with a back injury. According to Tuchel, the Italy international “sacrificed himself” for Chelsea.
Earlier on through the match, Chelsea fell behind with yet another lackluster display. The side saw another clean sheet disappear after Marcos Alonso caught Daniel James with an ill-timed challenge. Likely, Raphinha made no mistake from the penalty spot.
However, the Blues rallied despite the raucous atmosphere coming from the away end. This saw Mason Mount strike home his sixth goal of the season from Alonso’s cross.
Thereafter, Raphinha paid the price for a risky challenge on Antonio Rudiger. VAR recommended an overturn of the on-pitch decision with Jorginho striking home with a plomb to complete the turnaround.
Substitute Joe Gelhardt scored within two minutes after coming on to grab a dramatic leveller late on. But Jorginho score his second from the spot after Mateusz Klich felled Rudiger to snatch the points.
Despite Chelsea securing three points, they side’s defensive errors remain. Edouard Mendy and Jorginho were culpable against West Ham. Ross Barkley’s error allowed Senit St Petersburg to score in midweek.
Yet again, against Leeds, Marcos Alonso’s clumsy challenge cost Chelsea at a time when they could not afford to concede.
The 30-year-old looked rusty and sluggish as he made a half-hearted challenge on Daniel James inside the box. Alonso arrived later, collected James’ trailing leg and ref Chris Kavanagh had no option but to point to the spot.
Chelsea’s defense under Tuchel has been nothing short of magnificent and probably one of the best in Europe. However, there are signs of leakage. Heading into the busiest part of the season, the 48-year-old will need his side to stamp out those errors or face falling behind in the title race.