Leeds United earned a crucial 2-2 draw at Chelsea, coming back from two goals down in a tense Premier League relegation battle. Lukas Nmecha scored from the penalty spot and later set up Noah Okafor, while the point lifted Daniel Farke's side above Tottenham into 15th place in the table.
Cole Palmer had earlier assisted Joao Pedro's opener and then converted a penalty to put Chelsea 2-0 ahead at Stamford Bridge. Palmer later spurned a clear chance in stoppage time, failing to score from inside the six-yard box as Leeds held on under late pressure.
Nmecha reached six Premier League goals for the season, doing so in his 20th league appearance of the campaign. This match also marked the first time in Nmecha's senior league career, across 180 appearances,
that Nmecha both scored and provided an assist in the same game.
Leeds showed rare resilience on the road, avoiding defeat after trailing by two goals in an away Premier League fixture for the first time since March 2022, when Leeds beat Wolves 3-2. Chelsea last failed to win from two goals ahead in October 2023, drawing 2-2 with Arsenal.
Nmecha highlighted the importance of belief within the squad during this survival fight. "It's amazing. In the first half, I don't feel like we really got close, Nmecha told TNT Sports. " Nmecha praised the way Leeds stayed committed against Chelsea's midfield control and technical quality across the pitch.
The forward explained that Chelsea dominated central areas with overloads, which tested Leeds' pressing plan. Nmecha said Leeds persisted, pressed higher, and eventually forced errors that led to Okafor's late equaliser. Nmecha described a clear strategy to close Chelsea down, stating that constant pressure helped Leeds "choke them out".
Nmecha also discussed confidence from the spot, stressing calmness during the penalty that began the comeback. The striker felt the late goal from Okafor rewarded collective effort, calling the draw at Stamford Bridge very respectable. Nmecha underlined that Leeds are "in a fight to stay in the league" and judged that Leeds are handling that challenge well.
Nmecha spoke warmly about the backing from the travelling support and the broader fanbase, saying Leeds is unlike any club previously experienced. Nmecha described it as an honour to represent Leeds and insisted the team believed from the start of the season, even when results were poor, while expressing pride in the squad's display against Chelsea.
