Leeds Come From Two Goals Down to Halt Chelsea’s Winning Premier League Run

Key Takeaways:

• Leeds came from two goals behind to draw 2:2 with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
• Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro scored for the hosts before Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor secured a point for the visitors
• This result ended Chelsea’s perfect league run under Liam Rosenior, who completed one month in charge yesterday

Match Overview: Dramatic Turnaround at Stamford Bridge

Leeds United put an end to Chelsea’s flawless Premier League sequence under manager Liam Rosenior, sharing the spoils after a dramatic 2:2 draw at Stamford Bridge in the 26th round. The home side surged ahead, opening a 2:0 lead thanks to Joao Pedro’s opener in the 24th minute and Cole Palmer’s penalty conversion in the 58th.

Full-time at SB.#CFC | #CHELEE pic.twitter.com/YYXCWtz9qH

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 10, 2026

Up to that point, Leeds had struggled to create chances, but the tide turned in the final third of the contest. Lukas Nmecha brought the visitors back into contention from the penalty spot in the 67th minute, and Noah Okafor completed the comeback by levelling the score in the 73rd. In a tense finish, Cole Palmer squandered a golden opportunity in stoppage time from close range, ensuring the points were shared.

Tactical Changes and Team News

Liam Rosenior, marking the first month of his Chelsea tenure, made two adjustments to his starting eleven compared to the previous fixture against Wolverhampton. Josh Acheampong stepped in at centre-back for Wesley Fofana, while Estevao started in place of Pedro Neto.

For Leeds United, Daniel Farke confirmed on the previous day that Ilia Gruev, having taken a knock to the face late on against Nottingham Forest, would still start in midfield. Lukas Nmecha led the attack with Dominic Calvert-Lewin absent due to illness. Additionally, Jaka Bijol and Sebastian Bornauw replaced Rodon and the injured Struijk in the backline.

First Half Analysis

The opening fifteen minutes were tightly contested, with few clear-cut opportunities but plenty of midfield duels. By the 15th minute, Chelsea’s defenders Gusto and Acheampong had each picked up yellow cards, adding to the disciplinary tally for the evening.

In the 17th minute, a promising counter from Chelsea saw Marc Cucurella drive down the left and square for Palmer, but Gruev intervened decisively to deny him. Chelsea’s sustained pressure paid dividends around the 24th minute: Palmer delivered a crisp ground pass from the centre circle which allowed Pedro in behind, and the striker deftly lobbed Darlow for the opener.

The home side continued to create chances. Moments later, Palmer broke through the middle but his shot was comfortably gathered by Darlow. Pedro provided an inventive back-heeled chance for Palmer, but the latter hesitated and was unable to get a shot away. Pedro then tested Darlow with a chest control and volley, sending his effort wide. Leeds, by contrast, failed to register a significant threat on the Chelsea goal before the interval.

Second Half and Leeds’ Comeback

The second half began with Estevao narrowly missing the target. In the 56th minute, a defensive error from Bijol gifted Pedro a chance – having reached a long ball from Sanchez, Pedro was shoved by Bijol, resulting in a penalty which Palmer calmly dispatched for 2:0.

Leeds responded swiftly. In the 65th minute, Bogle was fouled by Caicedo in the area, earning a penalty for the visitors. Nmecha struck powerfully from the spot to reduce the arrears. Eight minutes later, Leeds drew level. After a sequence of miscues in the Chelsea area, Bogle battled for the ball, slipped between Acheampong and Sanchez, and Nmecha shuttled the ball to Okafor, who finished into an empty net. The goal was reviewed but ultimately awarded.

Late Drama and Defensive Stands

Chelsea pressed for victory in the closing stages: Delap headed narrowly wide in the 81st minute, while Neto and Pedro both threatened but failed to convert.

In the final moments, Palmer squandered a crucial chance, missing from two metres after a pinpoint cross from Caicedo in the 94th minute, cementing the 2:2 score.

Match Statistics