Chelsea lose 3-0 to Leeds United in nightmarish defeat at Elland Road

By Sana Noor Haq, CNN

Updated 1849 GMT (0249 HKT) August 21, 2022

Leeds United beat Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road on Sunday, handing the Blues their first Premier League defeat of the season.

(CNN)Chelsea suffered a disastrous 3-0 defeat against Leeds United at Elland Road on Sunday, losing their first Premier League match of the season.

The Blues had an early chance to take the lead in the second minute when former Manchester City star Raheem Sterling collected a pass from teammate Conor Gallagher and curled the ball into the penalty area, but struck the wrong side of the post. Leeds showed signs of promise in the first half with American midfielder Tyler Adams leveling a clean pass to his side's captain, Rodrigo, who shot the ball just wide off the right post. Leeds cleared further attempts from Sterling and Mason Mount and began their superb streak on the heels of Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy's shocking blunder. The Senegal international failed to take control of the ball after receiving it from Brazilian teammate Thiago Silva, giving it away to American newcomer Brenden Aaronson who scored into an open goal. Chelsea's Raheem Sterling (left) Rasmus Kristensen of Leeds United (center) battle for the ball.The spectators at Elland Road erupted into raucous cheers, celebrating Aaronson's first winner for his side. Read MoreJust four minutes later, Leeds punctured Chelsea's shaky defense for the second time as Jack Harrison lashed the ball into the penalty area on a free-kick, with Rodrigo forcing a header into the back of the net to bring his side 2-0 up. In the second half, Thomas Tuchel's side tipped into a downward spiral as French goalkeeper Illan Meslier deflected Reece James' low attempt at goal in the 65th minute.