Mendy howler sends Chelsea crashing to Leeds defeat

Leeds United’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Rodrigo (C) celebrates after scoring his team second goal during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Chelsea at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England, on August 21, 2022. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Chelsea suffered their first Premier League defeat this season as Edouard Mendy’s embarrassing blunder put Leeds on course for a 3-0 win, while Brighton condemned West Ham to a third successive loss on Sunday.

Mendy’s costly mistake was the catalyst for Chelsea’s shocking implosion at Elland Road as Brenden Aaronson netted after catching the goalkeeper taking too long in possession.

Rodrigo’s fourth goal in three games this season doubled Leeds’ advantage before half-time.

Jack Harrison completed Leeds’ first win over Chelsea since 2002 and their biggest against their old rivals since 1995.

Adding to Chelsea’s misery, their Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly was sent off for a second booking after tripping Joe Gelhardt in the 84th minute.

“Everything that can go wrong, did go wrong. It started yesterday. We had no plane to arrive so we came on the bus. The players could fly but for the coaching staff, it was a long ride on the bus. It continued today. We lost the game in the first 20 minutes, where we were clearly better and had huge chances,” Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said.

“If we give goals away like this that are totally unnecessary, and when we are totally in charge, we cannot win football matches.

“What do you expect if you present two goals to an opponent in the Premier League? We give goals away from huge individual errors too often.”

Unbeaten after three games, Leeds sits second in the table as boss Jesse Marsch builds on the momentum established