Chelsea stars heap the praise on impressive Leeds United side after difficult game

Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount open up on negotiating difficult Leeds United challenge

Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount put in excellent performances as Chelsea defeated Leeds United to go top of the Premier League, at least for a brief period.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side put up an impressive showing and even took the lead when former Chelsea starlet Patrick Bamford scored in the first half.

Giroud continued his mean streak and brought us level just before the half-hour mark. Kurt Zouma put us ahead in the second half before Christian Pulisic wrapped up all three points in stoppage time.

Speaking to the official Chelsea website, both Giroud and Mount have opened up on the frantic encounter.

Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount put in excellent performances as Chelsea defeated Leeds United to go top of the Premier League, at least for a brief time.
Mason Mount and Olivier Giroud were impressive for Chelsea

It is fair to say that Lampard set up his team to match Bielsa’s high octane football. After all we covered six kilometres more than the Elland Road outfit.

While the scoreline may hint at a comfortable victory, it was far from it. Leeds are a formidable side and Giroud went on to call them one of the toughest opponents he has faced this season.

“Leeds are one of the best teams I have faced in a few months, they really impressed me.”

Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa were involved in the spu-gate scandal
Frank Lampard and Marcelo Bielsa had a heated rivalry in the championship

Mount meanwhile created seven chances in the game, more than any other player on the pitch. It was one of these opportunities at Zouma put away to give us the lead.

The 21-year-old has previous experience of facing Biela’s Leeds. He faced them four-time during his season-long loan at Derby County.

Mount described Saturday’s clash as the fiercest he has been a part of. That is saying something since we have already faced the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

“I don’t think I’ve played in anything that frantic and that high-tempo before. I saw a stat saying we’re the first team to out-run them in a game so that was brilliant.”

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The game also saw 2000 fans in attendence, the first time supporters have been allowed back in since March.

They were treated to a wonderful performance by a Chelsea side that has matured and grown much since then.