A howler, a red card and an all-round disaster for the Blues

Chelsea endured a brutal trip to Leeds on Sunday, with individual errors contributing significantly to a 3-0 defeat that saw them finish with 10 men.

Thomas Tuchel’s side saw tempers boil over during their last outing against London neighbours Tottenham, and their mood took a further hit here as they were outplayed by Jesse Marsch's squad.

After ownership change and significant transfer comings and goings this summer, Chelsea are on uncertain footing to begin the campaign, having picked up just four points from three matches.

GettyThe Winners

Winner: Chelsea's rivals

Leeds looked like the side that earned so many admirers when returning to the top-flight under Marcelo Bielsa.

Chelsea could not live with the energy on show from the hosts, with rivals shown that getting in the Blues’ face and giving them no time on the ball can force errors and have Tuchel’s side chasing their own tail.

The west London outfit will believe that they can learn from their mistakes, but that must happen quickly.

Winner: Transfer market

If the performance at Elland Road was anything to go by, then Tuchel will be back on the phone to Todd Boehly asking for more money to be made available before the summer transfer window closes.

The Blues have already spent big on the likes of Raheem Sterling, Marc Cucurella and Kalidou Koulibaly, but more fresh faces may be required.

They still look short at centre-back, with Reece James forced in there as Ruben Loftus-Cheek took over at right wing-back, and that could be a priority area for Chelsea to address – amid links to the likes of Wesley Fofana – before September 1.

Winner: Christian Pulisic & squad players

Those that did not figure at all against Leeds may feel as though they benefited most from having no association whatsoever with a demoralising defeat.

USMNT star Pulisic was only named on the bench once again, before being introduced in the second-half, but endured an afternoon to forget against a team managed by fellow countryman Jesse Marsch.

Captain America could see more minutes in upcoming fixtures, while Tuchel should expect plenty of knocks on his door this week from those of an opinion that they can offer more than the current occupants of starting berths.

AdvertisementGettyThe Losers

Loser: Thomas Tuchel

An afternoon to forget for the Blues boss, who was still on the touchline as he appealed a one-match ban following his spat with Tottenham coach Antonio Conte. He probably wishes he could have been elsewhere!

Five points have now been dropped in the last two games – following a scrappy 1-0 win at Everton on the opening weekend – and early dents are being put in a potential title bid.

He'll face some very tough questions in his post-match media availability.

Loser: Edouard Mendy

What was the Senegalese goalkeeper thinking for Brenden Aaronson’s goal?!

He had plenty of time in which to clear his lines after collecting a back-pass, but took an age to make up his mind and was quickly closed down by a USMNT star who epitomised the work rate on show from the hosts.

Mendy was quick to shout at others after seeing the ball whipped off his foot, but a finger of blame could only be pointed in one direction.

Loser: Kalidou Koulibaly

It was not a good afternoon for Senegal internationals within Chelsea’s ranks.

A commanding centre-half looked all at sea against Leeds, with his passing poor from the start while a yellow card was collected early on after being pulled into areas of the field that he did not want to occupy.

A miserable outing was brought to a close six minutes from time when he foolishly dragged down Joe Gelhardt, leading to a red card being flashed in his direction.

GettyChelsea Ratings: Defence

Edouard Mendy (3/10):

Endured a nightmare with Leeds’ opening goal, and his afternoon did not get much better from there as he was left exposed by those in front of him.

Reece James (4/10):

Struggled to contain the physicality of Rodrigo and was beaten in the air by the Spain international striker for Leeds’ second goal.

Kalidou Koulibaly (3/10):

Never looked comfortable and was sent off late on to sum up Chelsea’s collective performance.

Thiago Silva (4/10):

Does not shoulder as much of the blame as some of those around him, but did not cover himself in glory either.

GettyMidfield

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (4/10):

Squandered an early chance when needing too many touches and never got to grips with a right wing-back role.

Conor Gallagher (4/10):

Eager to impress, but perhaps tried too hard to make things happen. He has lacked minutes and may find himself back in reserve with a World Cup finals fast approaching.

Jorginho (4/10):

In the Chelsea team to make them tick, but was given no time or space by the Leeds midfield.

Marc Cucurella (4/10):

Looked lively at times and pushes on well, but did not always track his man and needs to work on both sides of his game.