Leeds United turned in the best performance of Jesse Marsch’s tenure so far to demolish Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road. Brenden Aaronson, goal machine Rodrigo and Jack Harrison got the goals for the Whites on what was a memorable day for United.
Here’s the winners and losers of the win.
Winners
Brenden Aaronson
The American was a thorn in the side of Chelsea all afternoon with his pressing game and work rate and he was rewarded for his hard work with the opening goal of the game. Chasing a back pass to Edouard Mendy, Aaronson forced the Chelsea keeper to dither on the ball before stealing it off him and poking it into the empty net.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings as Aaronson, Adams and Koch shine in Chelsea demolition
It was a goal he deserved and it blew the roof off Elland Road as Jesse Marsch danced down the touchline in delight.
Tyler Adams
His work and energy in the middle of the field was a joy to watch at times and Chelsea really struggled with it. He ensured the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz struggled to make an impact on the game with his terrier-like intensity, working tirelessly for the cause.
Adams impressed last week at Southampton, but he was right up there as a man of the match candidate at Elland Road.
Jesse Marsch
This was the best performance of his tenure by far as things continue to click into place for the American head coach. His aggressive, rampant style was there to see on the field as Leeds made a real statement of intent against the Blues.
Marsch was constantly on the edge of his technical area, directing and encouraging throughout the contest and the crowd could be heard singing his name as Leeds tore through the Blues. Three games into the season and United have seven points in the bag.
Losers
Patrick Bamford
The striker was touch and go in the days leading up to the clash at Elland Road, but Marsch thought it best not to risk him against his old side. Bamford could be seen limping out of the action last weekend at Southampton with a tight adductor.
It’s not thought to be a serious injury but given his recent injury record and last season’s struggles, Marsch won’t risk him if he’s not 100 per cent. He’ll continue to be monitored over the next few days ahead of Saturday’s trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Bamford’s absence meant Rodrigo was given the nod to start as Leeds’ number nine and captain the side, too.
Thomas Tuchel
Tuchel’s side were well and truly outworked at Elland Road and as he stood on the touchline, he cut a very frustrated figure. His changes failed to make an impact and he could do little to prevent the onslaught at times.
He was on his best behaviour after last week, but that didn’t stop him from showing his frustrations.
READ NEXT
Go here for all the latest Leeds United news
Leeds United transfers news LIVE: Loan exit confirmed as striker and left-back links continue
Jesse Marsch's Leeds United video sessions and the risks he is demanding from the squad
Leeds United left-back bids, Raphaël Guerreiro noise and January transfer window plan
Leeds United's newest partnership began with kicking lumps out of each other
