Mendy, Meslier shine as Leeds hold Chelsea to rarest of results
Edouard Mendy made two stunning saves to deny Leeds victory – but Chelsea carved out several good openings of their own in a 0-0 Premier League draw at Elland Road.
The Blues made a bright start with Kai Havertz seeing a poke towards goal almost beating Illan Meslier.
However, 17 seconds later, Leeds had the ball in the net. Patrick Bamford broke clear and he rolled the ball to Tyler Roberts to tap in, only to be denied by an offside flag.
A lively start to the contest continued with a freak ricochet hitting Diego Llorente in the midriff and cannoning onto the bar and into Meslier’s grateful arms.
With 15 minutes on the clock, it was Leeds’ turn to hit the woodwork. After working a yard of space, Roberts curled a shot towards the top corner from outside the box. It looked to be dropping in, only for the finger tips of Mendy to deflect the effort onto the bar.
Leeds suffered a blow when Patrick Bamford was forced off after 33 minutes due to injury. They brought on Rodrigo Moreno in his place.
Mason Mount then tried his luck, his 25-yard effort gathered by Meslier at the second attempt.
That was the cue for a period of Chelsea taking control of the match. However, Leeds kept the scoreline at 0-0 going in at the break; a Havertz volley well held by Meslier in the last action of the half.
The first half of the second half also fell to Havertz but the German’s fierce drive was pushed over by Meslier. Havertz then saw another headed chance, but pressure from Luke Ayling meant the keeper was able to gather.
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Mendy on top form for Chelsea
It was then Leeds’ turn to have an effort on goal and only another top-class Mendy save kept them at bay. The Senegalese keeper did really well to palm away Raphinha’s shot on the turn after good work by Roberts and Rodrigo.
Christian Pulisic then saw a low shot comfortably held by Meslier, while Ben Chilwell skewed an effort wide when well placed.
The Blues brought on Timo Werner and Reece James after 67 minutes to try and turn the tide their war. Pulisic and the ineffective Hakim Ziyech were the men to make way.
Antonio Rudiger then saw a dipping effort pushed away by Meslier, while Llorente’s shot took a deflection and flew just over.
Rodrigo then had a great chance to make the breakthrough, his header from close range gathered by Mendy.
Substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi then saw a run and shot straight at Meslier.
As it was, that was to the final chance as both sides settled for a hard-fought point apiece.
It was only Leeds’ second 0-0 scoreline of the season and their first draw in 18 games.
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