Ex-African POTY blames one player for Chelsea's shock loss to Leeds United

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba has posited that the goalkeeping error by Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy swung the pendulum of victory in favour of Leeds United in their English Premier League fixture at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.

The former Monaco and Borrusia Dortmund striker, who was honoured as Africa's best player in 1997, expressed his thoughts on the Nigerian version of the magazine football show, Monday Night Football, monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com.

Leeds United continued their brilliant start to the season with a thumping 3-0 win over the 2021 European champions, with Brenden Aaronson, Rodrigo Moreno and Jack Harrison getting their names on the scoresheet.

Responding to a question from ace presenter Charles Anazado, the 'Prince of Monaco' had this to say.

"They (Chelsea) started brightly. Sterling could have scored from this situation (reference to an action as shown on the monitor), the squad came out, they played very well.

"They had their moments to punish Leeds. In football, if you don't take your chances, you'll be punished," Ikpeba stressed.

Speaking on the performance of goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Ikpeba said:

"But I think Mendy's error changed the dynamics of the game. That's the Premier League. The moment Leeds had that upper hand...

"Look at Mendy. I don't know what's wrong with Mendy. He had so much time to clear his lines.

"I don't understand what he was doing. This is a team (Chelsea) without a striker.

"They had more ball possessions, they dominated play but Leeds defended very well. They (Leeds) played the pressing game from the beginning of the match.

"But even at that, Chelsea had their moments and I don't think this was the first time that Mendy will be making this kind of error. He's made errors in the past but what a gift for Leeds' first goal," Ikpeba concluded.

Leeds United's win this past weekend was their first victory over the Blues since December 2002 - a result that sees them occupy third place in the standings after three rounds in the Premier League.

Izuchukwu Michael

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com