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Olivier Giroud has told Sky Sports (broadcast on 5/12 from 19:45) that Leeds United are one of the best teams he has faced in recent months after Chelsea beat Marcelo Bielsa’s side 3-1 on Saturday.
The Whites were ultimately beaten by the league leaders at Stamford Bridge. However, they once again managed to cause plenty of problems.
A stunning pass from Kalvin Phillips and a brilliant piece of composure from Patrick Bamford saw the visitors take a 1-0 lead.
However, Chelsea were excellent. Leeds have suffered a couple of heavy defeats this season, but they were perhaps forced into their most disappointing display yet.
Nevertheless, Giroud insisted that he has nothing but admiration for Bielsa’s side following the result.
“Honestly, we were not surprised to face this team because we knew their qualities,” he told Sky Sports.
“We conceded early and wanted to bounce back straight away. They were one of the best teams I have faced since a few months. Physically they run everywhere. It was so hard.
“It’s a great feeling to win tonight because they drew against Man City and lost just to Liverpool. They really impress me. They are a good team.”
Leeds can take a lot of heart from their performance. Chelsea are certainly going to be challenging for the title this season. And yet, the Whites did cause them plenty of problems at times.
And if Ian Poveda had been awarded a penalty during the second-half, Leeds would have had an opportunity to make the game 2-2.
The result is potentially a reminder of the work that lies ahead for Leeds. But the disappointment off the back of it is a further reminder of how far they have come.
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