Chelsea advanced into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup with a remarkable 6-3 victory over Leeds United, in a game that produced plenty of winners and losers in blue. It was a night of frustration and jubilation for the Stamford Bridge faithful, with the mood completely transformed after half-time.
Doubles from Cole Palmer and Danny Welbeck, alongside goals from Valentin Barco and Pedro Neto, completed a stunning comeback after the Blues found themselves 2-0 down just five minutes into the second half. Xabi Alonso’s changes at the break proved decisive, with his introduction of several first-team stars completely changing the momentum of the tie.
The second 45 minutes, in particular, were absolutely crazy, with Chelsea producing a six-goal response to turn a potential cup upset into a comfortable victory.
So, after such a dramatic night, who were the three biggest winners from Chelsea’s victory?
Cole Palmer
The attacking midfielder came up clutch when Chelsea needed him most, scoring two vital goals to turn the tie in Chelsea’s favour and ultimately seal their progression into the next round. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch in the second half, his presence was greater than any other player on the field had managed in the opening 45 minutes.
He was also the catalyst for the third goal, with his decisive pass through to Rogers creating the opening for Chelsea to finish the move. A genuine man-of-the-match performance from Estevao.
Morgan Rogers
I’m going to give him four assists for the Valentin Barco goal, surely, despite the touch from the Leeds goalkeeper, but his performance changed the tie entirely for Chelsea. It was a performance that sent a warning to the rest of the Premier League and every team left in the Carabao Cup.
The only thing missing was a goal of his own.
His partnership with Palmer is going from strength to strength, and if they can stay fit, Chelsea will be big favourites to go all the way in the Carabao Cup.
Xabi Alonso
It was a torrid first half for the team he picked, but instead of stubbornly sticking with his original plan, he risked his first-team stars to get the result he wanted. His team talk reportedly shook the players up, and it was clearly needed after such a flat performance.
The quadruple change of Reece James, Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto not only changed the game, but all four played their part as Chelsea turned the tie around and powered to a six-goal victory.
A decision that will earn him some new supporters in the Matthew Harding Stand and beyond.
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