Chelsea player ratings: Mason Mount again shows worth but Timo Werner fails to build on mid-week goals

CHELSEA edged past under-strength Leeds to avoid losing ground in the Premier League title race.

Thomas Tuchel claimed that his side were dropping points because of '90 per cent intensity' in his pre-match programme notes.

And he was left furious as his under-par side nearly surrendered yet another lead, this time to an injury-ravaged Leeds United.

But the Blues were able to steal a stoppage-time winner, courtesy of Jorginho converting from the penalty spot.

Here's how SunSport's Etienne Fermie rated each performer on the day.

EDOUARD MENDY - 6

Excellent save to keep out Raphinha's 20th minute free-kick.

Was powerless to keep out the Brazilian's penalty but would deny him one-on-one in the 64th minute, before comfortably saving a Tyler Roberts effort moments later.

Couldn't stop Joe Gelhardt's late equaliser.

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CESAR AZPILICUETA - 5

Spaniard delivered a no-nonsense display at the back for the Blues.

The skipper tried to burst forward at times, but like the rest of his team struggled to create much before being replaced by Andreas Christensen.

THIAGO SILVA - 6

Brazilian received instructions from Tuchel on the touchline mid-match, and is the German's trusted lieutenant on the pitch to carry out his instructions.

Flashed a shot wide after a brilliant bursting run late on.

ANTONIO RUDIGER - 7

Wanted a penalty after being brought down by a firm Raphinha tackle in the second half, and was subsequently awarded one following a VAR check.

The German provided plenty of trademark bustling runs forward, when he got impatient with the ponderous midfield play in front of him.

Remarkably brought down again in stoppage time, being fouled from behind by Mateusz Klich. Was involved in a heated bust-up with Junior Firpo at the final whistle.

REECE JAMES - 6

After an early cut-back forced a sharp intervention by Illan Meslier, James then tried to catch the Frenchman out with a direct free-kick from range.

Deservedly shown a yellow card for a horribly mistimed first-half challenge on Dan James, which could easily have been a red. Influence faded as the game wore on.

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK - 5

Caused uproar in the stands when he overhit a simple pass to the right flank immediately after Leeds' opener, the former England star struggled to replicate N'Golo Kante or Mateo Kovacic's usual influence.

The Blues would benefit from the returns of Kante and Kovacic.

JORGINHO - 7

Provided a terrific pass to set up a one-on-one for Havertz on the stroke of half-time.

Sent Meslier the wrong way to convert from the penalty spot. Often pointed and spluttered at his team-mates but the Blues could do with the drive that crocked pair Kante or Kovacic provide ASAP.

Italian had the final say, however, sending Meslier the wrong way with a last minute penalty to win the match.

MARCOS ALONSO - 5

Clumsily brought down Dan James in the 26th minute to concede a spot kick after the Welshman nipped in ahead of him, with Raphinha converting past Mendy.

Provided an excellent delivery for Mason Mount's equaliser, before goading Leeds fans that had been giving him stick. Spaniard then whipped a free-kick just over the crossbar moments later.

Alonso's brilliant left-foot gets him out of jail but his lack of mobility down the left flank in comparison to Ben Chilwell hurts Chelsea's general play.

MASON MOUNT - 7

Curled a tame left-footed effort into Meslier's arms early on.

Arrowed a low effort beyond the Leeds keeper to equalise on the stroke of half-time, after the stopper had gambled on a cross swinging in to the far post, rather than a cut-back to the near.

Was always energetic on the right-flank, although he will have more effective afternoons.

KAI HAVERTZ - 5

Spurned a great chance in first-half stoppage time, being denied when one-on-one with Meslier.

German struggled to get into the game, although showed glimpses of quality.

TIMO WERNER - 4

Fresh from his two-goal performance against Zenit in mid-week, Timo Werner was unable to conjure any magic on his return to domestic duty.

An early cut-back caught by Meslier was about as good as it got for the German.

SUBSTITUTES

CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI (for Werner, 74) - 5

Struggled to make an impact off the bench.

ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN (for Azpilicueta, 74) - 5

Caught out by a run in-behind in the build-up to Joe Gelhardt's dramatic equaliser.

ROMELU LUKAKU (for Alonso, 87) - N/A

Not enough time to make much of an impact.

Subs not used: Arrizabalaga, Pulisic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Sarr

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