Straightforward victories have been few and far between for Chelsea recently, and it's once again away from Stamford Bridge where it's come. Mason Mount's fine strike after four minutes set the tone for the performance and Daniel James' red card for his challenge on Mateo Kovacic, ensured there was a degree of comfort despite a hostile Elland Road atmosphere.
Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku put the polish on the performance to ensure the result matched Chelsea's endeavours. Mount was once again involved, as his clever touch supplied the American, while Hakim Ziyech had the composure and generosity to assist Lukaku. A solid outing for a frontline that hasn't always functioned.
Thomas Tuchel will be pleased to see his side with three points to put on the board, knowing now that two are required to secure Champions League qualification. In all likelihood, only one due to Chelsea's vastly superior goal difference over Spurs. If Arsenal wins the North London Derby, a foray into Europe's elite competition will be secured without the west London side kicking another ball.
READ MORE: Chelsea player ratings vs Leeds - Mason Mount stars as Trevoh Chalobah completes FA Cup audition
Wednesday night was the prelude to the weekend's FA Cup final for many. It was impossible to ignore the impact that Kovacic's injury could have against Liverpool. Few figures are guaranteed their spots in Chelsea's starting XI for the trip to Wembley, and many would have been playing for their position.
Two, in particular, would acknowledge their displays would need to be good enough to usurp players who have been preferred throughout the season. Lukaku and Trevoh Chalobah put up compelling cases.
It was striking how involved the Belgian forward was in all aspects of Chelsea's play, his disconnect from the rest of the side being all too prominent throughout the season. Lukaku was making runs in behind, holding the ball up well and even directing the play.
There were moments of frustration for the 28-year-old, who was left with his arms up in the air when Mount didn't play him through in the second period. There was positive body language, too, as the duo encouraged their teammates to bring the ball forward from the back. When Jorginho was in possession in the first half, they both beckoned the Italian forwards, not disimilar in fashion from Tuchel's encouragement from wanting to see his side higher against Wolves at the weekend. Progress was possible against the Leeds lines, and the ball over the top was available too.
Lukaku would be at the technical area during any stoppage in play, taking on new information and new liquids and could even be seen sliding across his own box to clear a free-kick. The composure he showed to recover for his goal after a poor first touch illustrated his newfound confidence.
It must be said that the performance came against a poor Leeds side who have now conceded 77 goals this season. Nevertheless, it was a step in the right direction. Starting in the FA Cup final is a different prospect, even given the threat he posed against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final. Kai Havertz is tried and trusted, and his more natural kinship to pressing will leave it difficult for Tuchel to start Lukaku for a third game in a row. Substituting the striker against Leeds was even considered due to his physical outputs to that point.
The argument for Chalobah may be more convincing. The 22-year-old defender has been out of favour since the return from the international break, but he added to his impressive record of not losing when starting for the Blues.
Chalobah produced team high numbers for tackles, interceptions and clearances against Jesse Marsch's side and showed plenty of confidence on the ball too. The former Lorient loanee accrued 141 passes, 26 clear of his nearest rival Andreas Christensen and 42 clear of Jorginho.
Again, Liverpool will present a more difficult task. Still, the 90 minutes at Elland Road showed Chalobah produce a more convincing performance than his rivals for the position have in recent weeks. Following the match, Tuchel highlighted that Chalobah needed to find consistency. Starting once again would certainly aid that.
The Blues boss said: "We informed the team very late today who plays. He did maybe not expect it. It was the same against West Ham, where he came in on short notice. In both matches, he delivered. This is the level he can deliver. It's about consistency. He lacked it a little in the last weeks, and we did some other choices, which is normal. But he needs to stay humble, hard-working, and he can be a big part of it."
With both players, it will come down to who Tuchel feels can deliver against Liverpool. Chalobah has started against the Reds before and might feel he has done enough to do so again.
