Raheem Sterling silenced his critics with a clinical first-half double as Chelsea dismantled Leeds United 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, climbing into fourth place with their most complete performance under Mauricio Pochettino.
The 29-year-old looked reborn. Sterling’s opener came in the 15th minute — a precise finish from the edge of the box after Nicolas Jackson’s clever layoff that had Illan Meslier scrambling. His second arrived just before halftime, a composed strike that capped off the kind of flowing move that’s been missing too often this season.
Jackson added the knockout punch in the 68th minute, pouncing on a comedy of errors between Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon to slot home what was probably the easiest goal he’ll score all year.
Sterling Finally Shows His Worth
This was the Sterling that Chelsea thought they were buying from Manchester City. The former England star had managed just three goals in his previous 12 appearances, looking increasingly like a square peg in Pochettino’s system.
Not anymore. He tormented Leeds’ backline all afternoon, going 4-for-6 in successful dribbles and creating three chances for teammates — his most productive outing since that disappointing summer move in 2022.
“Raheem showed exactly what he brings to this team,” Pochettino said afterward, probably feeling more relieved than he let on. “His movement between the lines was exceptional today.”
Leeds Staring Down the Barrel
For Daniel Farke’s side, this felt like a nail in the coffin they can’t afford. Seven losses in nine matches have left the Yorkshire club sitting 19th with just 21 points from 28 games — and the calendar isn’t getting any friendlier.
Meslier did his best to keep things respectable with seven saves, but when your defense is handing out gifts like it’s Christmas morning, even the best goalkeeper can’t save you. Crysencio Summerville’s deflected effort in the 72nd minute was too little, too late — a consolation goal that felt more like an afterthought.
“We’re not clinical enough in the final third,” Farke admitted, though he might want to start with the other end first. “Against teams like Chelsea, you have to take your opportunities when they come.”
Pochettino’s Tactical Masterclass
The Argentine’s 4-2-3-1 setup was perfect for this. Sterling and Jackson had all day to exploit the spaces behind Leeds’ suicidal high line, while Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo controlled the middle of the park like seasoned veterans.
Fernandez was particularly impressive, completing 91% of his passes and registering two assists with the kind of vision that justifies his hefty price tag. The Blues have now won four of their last six league matches — finally looking like a team worthy of Champions League football.
Conor Gallagher deserves a mention too. The 24-year-old was everywhere in that attacking midfield role, winning eight duels and making four key passes before getting a well-deserved standing ovation when he was subbed off in the 76th minute.
By the Numbers
The stats tell the story of total domination. Chelsea registered 18 shots to Leeds’ nine, enjoyed 57% possession, and completed 432 passes compared to the visitors’ 341. They even won the aerial battle 12-8, with Thiago Silva and Axel Disasi making Leeds’ forwards look like schoolboys.
Jackson’s goal extended his scoring streak to three consecutive Premier League matches — the kind of form that’s got Pochettino dreaming of a top-four finish. Sterling’s brace was his first multi-goal performance in a blue shirt, and suddenly those transfer fee questions seem a lot less pressing.
For Leeds, Summerville’s late strike was his 11th of the season, making him their leading scorer in what’s shaping up to be a nightmare campaign. Five points from safety with 10 games left — that’s not impossible, but it’s getting close.
The Blues welcome Newcastle on Wednesday night, while Leeds face what might be their season-defining clash with fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest next Saturday. One team’s riding high; the other’s running out of time.
