By Martin Graham
Things looked dire for Daniel Farke before kick-off, but at full-time he walked into the stands with a relieved smile. Leeds started the evening in the relegation places, burdened with just 11 points from 13 league games, and with the weight of four consecutive defeats. But an energetic 3-1 win over Enzo Maresca Chelsea changed the tone at Elland Road.
The home side, previously beaten in six of their last seven outings, had been plunged into uncertainty with growing rumors about Farke’s future. Against Chelsea, however, his team played with renewed vigor, dictating the game against rivals chasing the top of the table. The result lifted Leeds out of the bottom three.
Farke emphasized the importance of the evening, stressing how important nights like this are to the club and its supporters. He praised the team’s work rate and called the display an outstanding effort against elite opposition.
Still, doubts about his position have not disappeared. BBC Sport reported that the club have begun evaluating potential alternatives, a step described as standard practice but intensified by Leeds’ recent relegation. Still, the win provided a major boost to the morale of the team and fan base.
Former defender Stephen Warnock pointed out that the result was essential for Farke, and suggested that calls for his sacking could have increased if the game had gone the other way.
A system change generates new energy
From the opening minutes, Leeds looked transformed. As in the second half of the recent defeat against Manchester City, Farke deployed a 3-5-2 structure that had troubled the champions. He highlighted his willingness to adjust tactics when necessary and prioritize basic team principles over rigid forms.
The approach again proved effective. Leeds played with urgency and clarity, prompting praise from Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, who suggested the set-up resembled a way forward. He highlighted the strong defensive trio, the athletic midfield presence, the wide area influence and the relentless work of the two forwards.
Farke’s tinkering quickly paid off, with Jaka Bijol i To Tanaka score in the initial period. Dominic Calvert-Lewin i Lukas finishes continually stretched the Chelsea defence, keeping the visitors restless.
Chelsea threatened to repeat Leeds’ previous collapses when Pedro Neto struck shortly after the interval. But Leeds maintained their aggression and a time lapse Tosin Adarabioyo allowed Calvert-Lewin to re-establish control. Warnock suggested the last game and a half could prove pivotal, pointing to a clearer structure and greater attacking threat.
Overall, Leeds showed cohesion, compactness and confidence, qualities needed to survive in the Premier League.
Fans reconnect as Farke shows adaptability
Support for Farke had fallen in recent weeks, but the reaction at the final whistle hinted at renewed unity. He remarked that he felt togetherness throughout the game, apart from one isolated critic near the bench, and felt that Elland Road had rediscovered their intensity.
Leeds had shown resilience at Manchester City, coming from 2-0 down before losing to a Phil Foden finish. Steph Houghton observed that fans respond when a manager demonstrates change, noting that repeating the same plan without progress can frustrate crowds. He argued that Farke’s willingness to adjust, even in difficult circumstances, had become visible over the past two games.
Fans seemed to appreciate this flexibility. Neville added that many had begun to question whether Farke had an alternative approach, but the display against Chelsea suggested the team could gather momentum.
Leeds will aim to capitalize on this positive change next time they play at Elland Road, hosting champions Liverpool on Saturday evening.
