For a moment at least, there is cause for celebration at Chelsea and Graham Potter. Wesley Fofana’s header against Leeds ended a run of over 400 minutes without a goal and arrested a spell of three straight defeats that pushed Potter’s job to the brink. With their first win in six games, part one of Potter and Chelsea’s make-or-break week is complete and they can go into Tuesday’s crucial Champions League last-16 second leg with their spirits lifted slightly.
This 1-0 win over Leeds was not pretty, but the relief at full-time was all that mattered. Chelsea had been booed off following another goalless half but Fofana’s header from Ben Chilwell’s corner eased the tension around Stamford Bridge. It came after Kai Havertz failed to score after being played through on goal and Joao Felix rattled the bar in the first half. Potter’s side had started well but their winless run has followed a clear pattern. Leeds were beginning to assert themselves after Chelsea had wasted their early chances, but Fofana’s goal changed the mood and flipped the script.
