Revealed: What Romelu Lukaku said to the camera after Chelsea’s win over Leeds as Thomas Tuchel yelled at Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea looked like they were back to their spectacular best against Leeds, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
The Blues travel to Wembley on Saturday afternoon to face Liverpool in the FA Cup final, and the win on Wednesday night will provide much-needed confidence ahead of the match.
Many people expected Chelsea to have one eye, if not more, on the final for their journey to Elland Road. That was most emphatically not the case.
“We had a few days to get together as a group, speak within the group, some truths needed to be said and we got that out of our system,” Mason Mount told Sky Sports after Chelsea defeated Leeds United 3-0 at Elland Road. Whatever was said in the changing room, or on the training ground, apparently worked.
Mount’s superb goal gave the Blues the lead after only four minutes in Yorkshire.
In the second half, with Leeds down a man after Daniel James’ horrific challenge on Mateo Kovacic, the England international turned provider, putting up Christian Pulisic to make it 2-0.
In the final 10 minutes, Romelu Lukaku scored his third goal in two games to give Chelsea the three points.
With that said, we look at some of the moments you might have missed from Chelsea’s outstanding performance and outcome versus Leeds.
Lukaku’s message to TV camera
On Wednesday evening, Lukaku scored his 15th goal in all competitions for Chelsea. The Belgian was recalled to the starting lineup at the weekend and capitalised with a quick-fire double against Wolves.
The 28-year-old, who has been highly criticised since re-joining Chelsea last summer, is now regaining the form he displayed upon his return to Stamford Bridge.
His total effort versus Leeds was outstanding. He appeared eager and intent on scoring.
It took a while, but he finally found the back of the net at Elland Road – and he seemed happy. Lukaku has staked his claim to start Saturday’s FA Cup final against Liverpool.
Lukaku approached the Sky Sports TV camera after scoring against Leeds with a clear message. Although this cannot be proven, it appeared that he said the words “I’m back!” Yes, Romelu, you are.
Tuchel screams at Chalobah
Trevoh Chalobah made his return to the Chelsea squad at Elland Road.
The 22-year-old defender had not played for the Blues’ senior side since the triumph over West Ham United last month, with many fans eager to see him return.
They got their desire in Leeds, and Chalobah delivered. On the right side of defence, the defender appeared composed, and he scarcely put a foot wrong all night. Tuchel, however, could not believe this.
After a scrap with Rodrigo near the touchline, Chalobah was called for a cheap foul by referee Anthony Taylor.
When Taylor blew the whistle, Tuchel spoke angrily at Chalobah, pointing out that the defender’s positioning in the build-up was incorrect.
“We informed the team very late today who plays. He did maybe not expect it,” Tuchel said on Chalobah returning to the side after the game. “It was the same against West Ham where he came in on short notice.
“In both matches, he delivered. This is the level he can deliver and it’s about consistency. He lacked it a little in the last weeks and we did some other choices which is normal. He needs to stay humble, hard working and he can be a big part of it.”
Mount sets Chelsea record
Mount was outstanding against Leeds. The Chelsea star has continued to shine this season, and it was one of his best performances of the season when the Blues needed him the most.
His goal was fantastic. Mount hammered the ball into the top corner after some brilliant link-up play with Reece James, giving Illan Meslier in the Leeds goal little chance.
Mount did not score again, but he did continue to contribute. Pulisic had all the room in the world after a nice little flick, and the American placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Mount’s assist makes him the youngest Chelsea player to have double-digit goals and assists in the same Premier League season. Mount, who is 23 years old, breaks Juan Mata’s record, which he set when he was 25.
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Revealed: What Romelu Lukaku said to the camera after Chelsea’s win over Leeds as Thomas Tuchel yelled at Trevoh Chalobah
