Story by[BBC]Nina Hristova - Fan contributorFri, December 5, 2025 at 8:26 AM UTC·1 min read[]It was expected that Enzo Maresca would rest key players after a physically demanding week. However, the debacle at Elland Road proved that making as many as five changes in the line-up disrupted chemistry and momentum. They was welcomed by a well-organised Leeds side that capitalised on a passive Chelsea. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith orchestrator Moises Caicedo suspended, and Reece James and Wesley Fofana rested, it was essential to maintain some stability, but Maresca opted for defensive shuffles which proved ineffective and were easily exploited. His first mistake was starting Trevoh Chalobah at right-back, whose centre-back partnership with Fofana had just begun to flourish. Malo Gusto occupied that position well last week and would perhaps have been the better choice to offer balance and support. Meanwhile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile have not made many good impressions this season and looked out of their depth against a relentless Leeds press, inviting consistent pressure. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFinally, Josh Acheampong was left on the bench despite showing plenty of promise in previous appearances, which surely warranted a start for the 19-year-old. Chelsea's difficulties were further amplified by a lack of leadership on the pitch, and a brief second-half cameo would perhaps have lifted morale in the team following Pedro Neto's goal. Yet another defensive lapse led to the hosts' third goal and Tosin's woeful backpass to Robert Sanchez epitomised Chelsea's inept display. Hopefully, this defeat will have taught Maresca that wholesale rotation between league games halts the building of chemistry in the side. Find more from Nina Hristova at Nina's Chelsea Corner.
