Chelsea cement Champions League spot as Leeds United stay in the relegation zone

 

Chelsea won through Mason Mount's fourth-minute strike. Daniel James was then shown a straight Red Card for a dangerous high tackle against Mateo Kovacic.

Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku added to their lead as Chelsea secured a Champions League spot.

Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic & Romelu Lukaku score for Chelsea

Leeds United conceded a goal in the 30th minute and was down to 10 men, just like the Arsenal defeat on Sunday.

Chelsea made a flying start against their relegation-threatened opponents, as Mason Mount combined delightfully with Reece James in the fourth minute before arrowing a strike into the top corner from the edge of the penalty area.

Leeds United had a mountain to climb following the midway point in the half when forward James was given a straight red for a clash with Mateo Kovacic, who could be seen getting out of the ground limping shortly after that.

Lukaku concluded the first half vigorously from the offside position just before the interval. Chelsea managed the game well with their extra man in the second half.

Leeds United saved themselves from any further damage until halftime. Still, Christian Pulisic sealed the deal for Chelsea with a goal in the corner that was just 10 minutes into the second period.

Pulisic was very close to making it three after an hour, but Rodrigo gave away possession.

After missing a few head chances earlier, Romelu Lukaku scored late to make it a miserable night for Leeds United fans.

This will help Chelsea ease their fears about losing control of a place among the top four and a Champions League spot for next season.

Thomas Tuchel's team remains third and has four points over Arsenal and eight over Tottenham. However, both sides have one more game against each other on Thursday.

With back-to-back games at home, Chelsea should earn two more points. Leicester City and Watford are their next opponents. Meanwhile, Leicester City is comfortably placed at mid-table, and Watford has already been relegated.

Leeds United stays in the Relegation zone.

Leeds United remains in the 18th place, level on points with Burnley, but with a lower goal differential and two more points behind Everton. However, both the teams have three games remaining to Leeds United's two.

There were no lessons learned in Mason Mount's case, as he was left alone to break the deadlock. In the fourth minute of their Premier League match, Leeds United conceded for the first time since December 2020.

This was Leeds United's worst performance in a single league campaign as they conceded 34 goals at home in league play, the most in a single season in the top flight since 1959-60.