adminBest signing since Raphinha: Leeds star is one of “the best” players in PL
Leeds United produced a stunning Premier League victory on Wednesday night, defeating title contenders Chelsea 3–1 at Elland Road to claim a massive three points in their battle to stay in the top flight.
The evening couldn’t have started any better for Daniel Farke’s side.
Jaka Bijol opened the scoring with a powerful header, timing his run perfectly from the edge of the box before rising above everyone to meet a corner and steer it into the net.
Despite Chelsea controlling 71% of the possession, they created little of note, and Leeds doubled their advantage just before half-time through a brilliant long-range strike from Ao Tanaka.
After Jayden Bogle collected a loose ball at the edge of the area, he teed up Tanaka, who thumped it home to make it 2–0.
Chelsea clawed one back shortly after the interval when Pedro Neto struck five minutes into the second half.
But Leeds held firm under pressure and eventually restored their two-goal cushion when a defensive mix-up from the visitors gifted Dominic Calvert-Lewin the chance to score their third.
It was an outstanding all-round display from Leeds, with several standout individual performances.
Leeds’ top performers vs. Chelsea
One of the most striking elements of Leeds’ win was the collective work rate — led by captain Ethan Ampadu. Facing his former club, the Welsh midfielder dominated the middle of the pitch.
His numbers highlighted his influence: 54 touches, 86% passing accuracy, six duels won, and six recoveries. It was a complete, relentless display from the skipper.
Jayden Bogle was another standout. Operating at right wing-back, he constantly pushed Leeds forward and caused Chelsea problems throughout.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth awarded him an 8/10 rating, praising his driving runs and attacking threat.
His persistence paid off with the assist for Tanaka’s goal, reacting quickest to a loose ball before setting up the midfielder with a sharp first-time pass.
However, both players were arguably overshadowed by one of their teammates.
Leeds’ best signing since Raphinha?
It was a brilliant night for Leeds’ wing-backs, as Gabriel Gudmundsson also delivered one of his best performances since joining the club.
Up against the lively Estevao, the Swedish left wing-back excelled defensively while still offering plenty going forward.
Gudmundsson won an impressive 12 of 19 duels, completed five of eight tackles and created two chances. Smyth awarded him a 9/10, commending both his attacking intent and his willingness to track back and defend.
The Swede has quickly established himself as a key player since arriving at Elland Road. Journalist James Marshment even labelled him “the best” in his Premier League position back in September.
Gudmundsson has played in all 14 of Leeds’ league fixtures so far, completing the full 90 minutes in nine of them.
Given his rapid impact, there’s a strong argument that he is Leeds’ best signing since Raphinha.
The Brazilian made an explosive start to his Premier League career, registering 15 goal contributions in his first season — and Gudmundsson appears to be following a similar trajectory.
Few Leeds signings in recent top-flight campaigns have hit the ground running like this, particularly given how many of their previous Premier League recruits have since moved on.
Farke will be eager for Gudmundsson to maintain this level and cement himself as one of the club’s most successful acquisitions since Raphinha.
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