Chelsea threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on a controversial night for VAR as Cole Palmer spurned a stunning stoppage-time chance from point-blank range to win the game.

The game appeared to be over when Palmer put a dominant Chelsea 2-0 up from the spot just before the hour, after Joao Pedro's chipped finish had given his side the lead 24 minutes in.

However, Leeds staged the most unlikely of comebacks thanks to contentious goals from Lukas Nmecha and substitute Noah Okafor. Those were the away side's only shots on target in the game.

VAR upheld Okafor's goal after a check for handball by Jayden Bogle in the build-up. The ball struck the Leeds wing-back's elbow but the officials did not deem it to be worthy enough to overturn the on-field decision from referee Robert Jones.

Bogle was involved for Leeds' first goal as he won the penalty under a challenge from Moises Caicedo. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean was surprised by both calls from the officials.

Speaking about Leeds' equaliser on Soccer Special, Dean said: "It's hit Bogle's elbow. I was surprised it wasn't disallowed. I can only assume they think it's accidental."

Of the foul from Caicedo for the first goal, Dean added: "It looked a bit harsh. Bogle kind of kicks the back of Caicedo."


More to follow.

Teams

Chelsea Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong (Fofana 79), Chalobah, Cucurella (Hato 46); Caicedo, Santos (Delap 79); Palmer, Fernandez (c), Estevao (Neto 64); Joao Pedro
Subs Not Used Sharman-Lowe, Badiashile, Sarr, Garnacho, Guiu
Booked Gusto, Acheampong, Palmer, Caicedo 90+9
Goals Joao Pedro 24, Palmer 58 (pen)

Leeds United Darlow, Justin, Bijol, Rodon, Bogle, Ampadu (c), Gruev, Bornauw (Okafor 56), Aaronson (Longstaff 90+5), Gudmundsson, Nmecha (James 82)
Subs Not Used Perri, Byram, Tanaka, Buonanotte, Gnonto, Piroe
Booked Gudmundsson, Bornauw, Justin, Longstaff
Goals Nmecha 67 (pen), Okafor 73

Attendance

Referee Robert Jones

VAR John Brooks