Chelsea slipped to fourth place, now nine points behind league leaders Arsenal, following a disappointing performance at Elland Road.
With manager Daniel Farke facing mounting pressure, Leeds controlled the first half, scoring twice with Jaka Bijol and Ao Tanaka netting their first Premier League goals.
Chelsea showed some fight at the beginning of the second half, with substitute Pedro Neto scoring in the 50th minute.
However, Enzo Maresca’s team suffered a significant setback when they conceded a third goal in the 72nd minute due to a defensive blunder.
A mistake by Tosin Adarabioyo allowed Leeds striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to score easily, restoring Leeds’ two-goal advantage and securing a much-needed second win in nine matches, lifting them out of the relegation zone.
This victory marked Farke’s first win against a team ranked above 13th in the Premier League in over three years, arriving at a critical moment as frustration grew among fans regarding his future amid a poor run of results.
Leeds started explosively, creating four chances within the first five minutes before Bijol, a summer signing from Udinese, headed in a corner from Anton Stach in the sixth minute.
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Aside from Joao Pedro’s misfired attempt, Chelsea’s only shot on target before halftime was a weak effort from Liam Delap in the 38th minute.
Leeds extended their lead just before halftime when Enzo Fernandez lost the ball near his own box, allowing Jayden Bogle to set up Tanaka for a powerful, curling shot.
Maresca brought on Neto and Malo Gusto for Benoit Badiashile and Estevao Willian, who was fortunate to receive just a yellow card for kicking out at Gabriel Gudmundsson.
Before Neto volleyed in Jamie Gittens’ cross at the back post, Lukas Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin had already created opportunities.
Chelsea introduced Cole Palmer, returning from a groin injury after over two months, and Alejandro Garnacho to energize the team. The duo combined for a significant chance in the 69th minute, but Palmer shot wide.
Just three minutes later, Leeds scored their crucial third goal when Adarabioyo’s poorly executed pass to goalkeeper Robert Sanchez allowed Noah Okafor to intercept and set up Calvert-Lewin for his second goal in consecutive matches after scoring against Manchester City.
As Chelsea fell behind Aston Villa in third place, Leeds climbed to 17th, now three points clear of West Ham, who are set to face Manchester United on Thursday.
