The Blues suffered their first loss in eight matches across all competitions, after going down 3-1 at Elland Road.

Chelsea was slow out of the blocks and Jaka Bijol and Ao Tanaka scored their first Premier League goals to give Leeds a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Neto, introduced at the break, halved the deficit within five minutes of his introduction, but sloppy play from the visitor allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to put the contest to bed.

It marked the first time the Blues had conceded three or more goals against a side starting the day in the relegation zone since a 5-2 defeat against West Brom in April 2021.

"They were better than us at everything," Neto said. "It's difficult to take, we have to learn from that.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who was at least able to hand the fit again Cole Palmer a cameo from the bench, echoed Neto's sentiment.

"A very poor night; [Leeds] deserved to win the game, they were better in all aspects," Maresca said. "It's not about possession; in possession, you need a purpose. After the goal we scored, we had one or two clear chances, but the third goal killed the game completely, then it's much more difficult.

"It's reality, it's the Premier League; you need to perform every game, no matter if you are at home or away, or who the other team is."

The Blues are now nine points behind leader Arsenal, and they will look to bounce back when they take on Bournemouth on Sunday.