SOCCER: Chelsea lose ground at the top with 3-1 loss at Leeds

Chelsea’s Premier League title ambitions took a hit on Wednesday after a 3-1 defeat at Leeds United, a result that lifted the home side out of the relegation zone.

Leeds started the match on the front foot and were rewarded early. In the sixth minute, Jaka Bijol powered in a header from a corner to give the hosts the lead. Just before halftime, Ao Tanaka scored a stunning goal to double Leeds’ advantage, leaving Chelsea on the back foot.

Chelsea attempted a comeback in the second half. Five minutes after the break, substitute Pedro Neto pulled one back for the visitors, raising hopes of a turnaround. However, the effort was short-lived as Chelsea’s defensive lapse allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score in the 72nd minute, sealing a 3-1 victory for Leeds.

With the defeat, Chelsea remain on 24 points and have slipped to fourth place in the Premier League standings, three points behind third-placed Aston Villa, who won 4-3 against Brighton & Hove Albion. Leaders Arsenal are nine points ahead after their 2-0 victory over Brentford. Leeds climb to 17th with 14 points, moving out of the relegation zone. -Trevor Stynes/Reuters