Thomas Tuchel’s reign at Chelsea ended suddenly, but the match that started the decline was odd for a couple of reasons.
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Not long into his second full season at Chelsea, the new ownership decided it was time to relieve Thomas Tuchel of his duties after an underwhelming start.
This is the same manager that won Chelsea the Champions League just 15 months prior.
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It was a decision that came as a surprise. Todd Boehly and his Clearlake Capital co-owners didn’t see Tuchel as the right man to lead the change Chelsea was about to undergo. It’s possible a bad loss three weeks before was the first domino to fall.
Chelsea’s loss to Leeds
Coming into the game on four points after two games, Chelsea and Tuchel would have been confident in getting a result.
That wouldn’t happen for them. After Edouard Mendy’s error cost Chelsea the opener, Leeds kept on pushing, scoring two more and getting one of their most famous wins since returning to the top flight.
Kalidou Koulibaly’s needless second yellow in the dying embers added insult to injury, and when the full-time whistle blew, it was clear things weren’t all cheery at Chelsea.
But this game is not bizarre because of the scoreline, although that certainly was a shock.
It’s due to the fact that the two sides played out the exact opposite match just three months prior.
Chelsea’s win against Leeds
The May just gone saw a wholly different — yet eerily similar — encounter at Elland Road.
This time it would be Chelsea to come away 3-0 victors.
Mason Mount struck within five minutes to give the Blues the lead. This time it was Leeds who went down to ten men after Daniel James’ reckless tackle on Mateo Kovacic.
Second-half goals from Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku would settle the issue, and despite a post-game scuffle, spirits were high at Chelsea. They would hold on to third place, improving on Tuchel’s first season and setting a clear target for the following campaign.
What a difference three months can make.