Star subs rescue Chelsea as Alonso 'takes blame'
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso took responsibility for his team's poor first-half performance in a 6-3 Carabao Cup victory over Leeds United. The team recovered from a 2-0 deficit following four key substitutions at halftime.
Why it matters
The match highlights the tactical influence of coaching decisions and the depth of the Chelsea squad in high-stakes cup competition.
Xabi Alonso watched his Chelsea team hit six goals in the second half against Leeds United but felt the need to "take responsibility" for the shaky start that came before the thrilling flurry.
Amid jubilation that followed the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea recovered from 2-0 down to progress as 6-3 winners in the Carabao Cup, it was easy to forget that Alonso's side were booed off at half-time.
Supporters witnessed arguably the worst first half of Alonso's short tenure to date, with Chelsea fortunate not to be further in arrears after the head coach made nine changes to his line-up.
The team's rhythm was disrupted. Leeds made eight changes themselves, but Daniel Farke's side took control and were threatening to surge into the fourth round.
Defender Tarik Muharemovic opened the scoring before Brenden Aaronson doubled Leeds' lead shortly after the break.
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