Leeds United adapt to their strengths as Daniel Farke buys himself time — Leeds Live 3/12/25

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The match verdict on Leeds United's display vs Chelsea in tonight's Premier League game

Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter

Daniel Farke has been accused of being too stubborn by Leeds United fans, but his willingness to change his formation led to his side claiming their first points since October.

Leeds supporters had begged the under-pressure Farke to keep the 3-5-2 system that worked so well in the second half against Manchester City - and the manager obliged, much to fan delight.

Jaka Bijol's header, Ao Tanaka's super strike and Dominic Calvert-Lewin's tap-in proved that in order to survive in the Premier League, Leeds and Farke must adapt to their strengths.

Every tackle, throw-in and corner won in the opening five minutes was greeted with an ovation from many in the stands. Match-goers were soon bouncing when Bijol craned his neck to guide the ball home from a corner after six minutes, with Robert Sanchez's gloves beaten by power.

The goalkeeper could do nothing about Tanaka's long range effort later on. The midfielder had wasted three chances with woeful shooting beforehand, but smacked the ball home with pace two minutes before half-time with Chelsea shell-shocked.

Enzo Maresca brought on Neto at half-time, and he made a quick impact as his short-range effort found its way past Perri in the 50th minute from a cross.

Lukas Nmecha had been presented with a chance to put Leeds three up shortly beforehand but fired straight and Sanchez with a first-time guided shot from the cross.

He would find the net after Neto's goal, but it was correctly adjudged to have been offside in the build up. Chelsea then undid their hard work when Tosin Adarabioyo was robbed by Noah Oakfor in the area.

His sliding shot squirmed into the path of Calvert-Lewin, who tapped into an empty net to secure the win on 72 minutes. The result moves Leeds out of the relegation zone and leaves Chelsea nine points off top spot.

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