7M - Chelsea Forced to Share Points with Leeds After Squandering Two-Goal Lead

Leeds United staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, extending the Whites' impressive recent run to just two defeats in their last 13 Premier League matches (W4, D7).

Aware of their winless record in three prior midweek Premier League fixtures this season (D1, L2), Chelsea were keen to establish a strong foundation on home turf.

Leeds, however, started brightly, with Brenden Aaronson earning a clumsy foul from Josh Acheampong as the American pressed towards goal.

Despite that early alert, it was Chelsea who opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Cole Palmer's precise through ball sent João Pedro clear, and the Brazilian composed himself to loft a delicate finish over the advancing Karl Darlow.

The hosts sought to consolidate their lead as the first half wore on but were unable to add to it, with Darlow saving a meek attempt from Palmer before Pedro mishit a promising chance from inside the area.

Determined to secure a seventh consecutive Premier League home win in this fixture, Chelsea maintained their proactive approach after the interval, as Estêvão curled an effort just wide.

The Blues did not have to wait long for their second goal, however. A needless push by Jaká Bijol on Pedro inside the box presented Palmer with a penalty opportunity, which he duly converted with assurance for his third successful spot-kick in four days.

Undaunted, the visitors were awarded a penalty of their own less than ten minutes later when Moisés Caicedo carelessly tripped Jayden Bogle. Lukas Nmecha stepped up and calmly sent Robert Sánchez the wrong way from 12 yards.

The momentum of the contest shifted towards Leeds, and Daniel Farke's side incredibly leveled the scores in the 73rd minute. Disastrous defending from the hosts allowed Nmecha to tee up substitute Noah Okafor for a straightforward finish.

Seeing their two-goal cushion erased within six minutes, Chelsea sought to rally for a late winner in the final quarter of an hour. Pedro Neto came agonizingly close, his curling delivery drifting inches wide of the far post.

Liam Rosenior's team pressed until the end of stoppage time, but a baffling miss from point-blank range by Palmer, with the goal gaping, proved decisive as Leeds stood firm to deny Chelsea a fifth consecutive Premier League victory.