Jorginho’s late penalty helped Chelsea secure a dramatic victory over Leeds United at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea 3-2 Leeds.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel believes his Blues did everything to deserve the win over Leeds United on Saturday afternoon.
Midfielder Jorginho had to score a stoppage-time penalty to ensure Chelsea avoided falling further behind in the Premier League title race.
The penalty in the 94th minute was the Italian’s second penalty of the enthralling match at Stamford Bridge that had three converted spot-kicks in total.
Leeds prodigy Joe Gelhardt came off the bench to score (with his first touch) what appeared to be a point earned for Leeds, as the 19-year-old finished off Tyler Roberts' low cross with seven minutes remaining.
This was after Raphina broke the deadlock in the 28th minute - the game's first penalty which was awarded after Marcos Alonso's challenge on Daniel James. But, Mason Mount tapped in Alonso's pass to level the score just before half-time.
Then, the hosts were awarded their first spot-kick before the hour mark as referee Chris Kavanagh awarded Raphinha's challenge on defender Antonio Rudiger, and Jorginho stepped up to make it 2-1.
Gelhardt's made it 2-2 in the 83rd minute and as mentioned earlier it looked like it both sides were going to share the spoils but, it was Jorginho who had the final say with another penalty after Mateusz Klich stupidly tackled Rudiger.
The victory meant Tuchel’s Blues maintain the spot in third, two points behind champions City, who beat Wolves 1-0 at the Etihad, while Liverpool stay in second after win over Aston Villa at Anfield.
'A lucky goal in the end'
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, speaking to BBC's MOTD: "I liked the first half a lot. The way we found solutions to overcome the pressing. The intensity, effort. Very happy.
"OK, we gave a cheap penalty away and had to live with it.
"We didn't take the controlled risks we did in the first half and Leeds played stronger and stronger.
"They were taking the risks as they had nothing to lose. They got their late equaliser but I'm happy we turned it around this time. We have suffered from late goals in the last two matches but it was our turn today.
"It was an intense game. You cannot have a top-controlled match against Leeds, it is impossible as they force you into a wild, intense style of football. We accepted this.
"A lucky goal in the end but we did everything to deserve this."
On Jorginho's two penalties: "It is never easy to take the two penalties against the same keeper."
'Last-minute goal was amazing'
Chelsea match-winner Jorginho added: "It was very important to have these three points. We had a tough game, Leeds are a tough opponent but we deserved the win. The last-minute goal was just amazing. The whole stadium felt so good."
"We can always give more. If you gave an extra 10% today we can improve again. We always need to want to improve to do more."
On playing with a back injury: "My back is not in the best condition, but [sometimes] you need to push yourself more to help the team. That's what I needed to do. It's hard, but I pushed to help my team."
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