Marcelo Bielsa said that Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante proved crucial in helping the Blues seal victory at Stamford Bridge.

Frank Lampard’s men rose to the top of the Premier League table with their 3-1 win. Goals from Olivier Giroud, Kurt Zouma and Christian Pulisic sealed all three points.

As for Leeds, they started the game in electric fashion and continued that throughout the first half. However, Chelsea‘s recent form showed as they dominated their visitors in the second half.

Speaking to Match of the Day (via BBC Sport), Bielsa added that set-pieces were key. Indeed, Zouma’s goal – which put Chelsea in front – came from a corner.

“We failed to neutralise them from set-pieces and at the end it was important,” the manager said.

“It was difficult for us to stop them playing out from the back with their centre-backs and N’Golo Kante.

“The difficulty for us was we didn’t manage to take the ball off them in their own half.”

Meanwhile, Bielsa has played down the impact Chelsea fans had on their side’s 3-1 victory over Leeds United.

The Leeds boss had been critical of a plan that allows 10 Premier League clubs to welcome fans back to matches, courtesy of being in a tier two area, whilst the remaining 10 remain behind closed doors due to being in tier three.

Chelsea fans took a particular dislike to Llorente, jeering him throughout the second half.

Yet, speaking post-match, Bielsa said the fans’ presence had little impact on his side’s performance.

He said as cited by Leeds Live: “I don’t think they influenced it.”

The Whites’ boss however concluded by saying Chelsea “are one of the most important teams in the Premier League.

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