An incredible second-half comeback including six goals in 41 minutes saw Chelsea finally blow away Leeds 6-3 in one of the all-time Carabao Cup classics at Stamford Bridge. The Blues found themselves two goals behind when Brendon Aaronson struck after 47 minutes to add to Tarik Muharemovic's opener and it appeared Xabi Alonso's first real cup test would end in disappointment - despite the half-time introduction of Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Reece James. But a Rogers-inspired comeback, with the England winger making four of their six subsequent goals, saw Chelsea net three times in seven minutes to lead before Danny Welbeck added a fourth to give them breathing space by firing through Michael Zetterer's legs.
Not for the first time in Alonso's short reign however, chaos once again reigned over control as Leeds continued to create chances before Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled them back to within a goal with 15 minutes to go. It was still uncertain that Chelsea had finally sealed their progress when Barco blasted them 5-3 up from close range from another Rogers assist, but they could finally rest easy in added time - and extinguish Leeds' commendable never-say-die attitude - when Welbeck nodded Barco's wildly mishit effort beyond Zetterer. If there was ever a goal to sum up a game, this was it.
Alonso was handed another clear indication of where his side remain lacking - but for now, chaos isn't serving them too badly. Player of the match Cole Palmer on Sky Sports: "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." Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player 21: DOUBLE SAVE! Mike Penders is called into action twice in a matter of seconds to deny Muharemovic and Aaronson with a superb double save. 23: GOAL!
From the second of two subsequent corners, Muharemovic rises highest at the back post to nod the opener back inside the opposite corner. 46: SUBS! Palmer, Rogers, James and Neto are introduced for Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Malo Gusto and 16-year-old debutant Reggie Watson. 47: GOAL! In spite of those changes, Aaronson doubles Leeds' advantage following excellent work down the right from Ethan Ampadu. 51: PENALTY TO CHELSEA!
The Blues are handed a lifeline when Dan James is penalised for catching Pep Chavarria's standing leg in the Leeds box. 53: GOAL! Palmer strikes from 12 yards to give Chelsea hope. 55: GOAL! Palmer pulls Chelsea level by using Jaka Bijol as a shield to bend the ball beyond Zetterer to level. 60: GOAL!
Extract — continue reading at the source.
