Enzo Maresca has conceded that Leeds were ‘better than Chelsea in all the aspects’ after his side’s disappointing 3-1 loss at Elland Road.
Just days after watching his 10-man side battle to a result against Premier League leaders Arsenal, Maresca’s side struggled against a Leeds team battling relegation.
Jaka Bijol headed Leeds ahead inside six minutes from a set piece, before Ao Tanaka thumped in a stunning second for the home side.
Pedro Neto brought Chelsea back into the game just five minutes after half-time, but an error from Tosin Adarabioyo gifted Leeds a third, as Chelsea were caught in possession inside their own box. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the grateful recipient to tap in from close range.
Defeat leaves Chelsea fourth in the table and nine points behind Arsenal in the title race. At full-time, Maresca said his team must accept their poor performance and move on. He admitted there were no positives for Chelsea to take.
“They were better than us in all the aspects and they deserved to win the game,” the Italian told his post-match press conference.
“There is nothing we can take from this game. The only thing we can do is try to understand the mistakes we have made, try to reset, because on Saturday we have another game.
“In tonight’s game there was no-one that was at his best level. Pedro second half, Garna [Alejandro Garnacho] second half, probably they were our best players, because after we scored the goal we had two chances with Cole [Palmer] and Joao [Pedro]. Then the third goal killed the game.
“I hope that we had a bad night because it’s a game that you struggle to find something that you can take from the game. On the ball, off the ball, duels, second balls – they were much better than us in all the aspects.”
