Chelsea’s substitutes ran a second-half rout over Leeds United in the Carabao Cup third round on Wednesday to win a nine-goal thriller 6-3.
Leeds Utd went 2-0 up in the first half in a game that seemed bleak for a heavily-rotated Xabi Alonso side.
Chelsea stars Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto entered the pitch after half-time to easily see off Leeds who appeared out of their depth against the Blues’ regular starters.
Changes remain a risk
“There was so many changes. There was a risk. Things weren’t going the way we planned, so we had to change,” Alonso told Sky Sports.
“I take responsibility with the first half. The crowd were great, with the atmosphere [pushing the players on].
“I like that [the substitutes] were ready before the game. They knew they weren’t starting and they were ready to make an impact.
“When you put together a team that hardly plays together, it is difficult to play at this level when [Leeds] are intense.”
Rogers, Palmer, Neto and new signing Valentín Barco all scored and assisted, as well as aided in opening up Danny Welbeck up front, who picked up a brace.
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Attackers thriving
Player of the Match Cole Palmer said: “You can see I’m enjoying it. Me and Morgan Rogers, Joao Pedro, the attacking players.
“Not to say the defenders aren’t – but it’s a lot different.
“We’ve still got a bit to go, but we’re getting results and that’s the main thing.”
Penalty incident controversial for Farke
“We played with confidence, there was not even a chance for them, then the referee decided to give a penalty,” Leeds Utd boss Daniel Farke said of the penalty incident in the game.
“Nobody was asking for it, all of a sudden their players came into the game. The momentum was on their side. Situations can change the whole momentum of the game.”
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Michael Davey 
Nicole Powell 
SportJustSport writers