Chelsea produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Leeds United 6-3 and book their place in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, but manager Xabi Alonso admitted he had to take responsibility for his side’s poor start.
The Blues were booed off at half-time after producing one of the worst first-half performances of Alonso’s short tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Alonso made nine changes to his starting XI, but the reshuffled Chelsea side struggled to find any rhythm as Leeds took control of the contest.
The visitors deservedly took the lead through defender Tarik Muharemovic before Brenden Aaronson doubled their advantage shortly after the restart.
With Chelsea facing the prospect of an embarrassing cup exit, Alonso reacted by making four substitutions at half-time.
Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Reece James were introduced, and the changes completely transformed the game.
Palmer scored twice, while Neto also found the net as Chelsea launched an extraordinary comeback.
Rogers was particularly influential, contributing to four of Chelsea’s goals from open play before being substituted late in the contest.
The turnaround transformed the atmosphere inside Stamford Bridge, with supporters who had jeered their team at half-time celebrating wildly by the final whistle.
Despite the emphatic scoreline, Alonso accepted responsibility for Chelsea’s disjointed first-half display.
“I need to take my own blame and my own responsibility on the things that happen,” Alonso said.
“I need to be able to help them better so they are not responsible, and after you need to react and think what’s better for the team.”
The Chelsea manager also defended his decision to make four changes at the interval, describing the substitutions as part of the game.
The victory ultimately spared Chelsea from what appeared to be a major upset and secured their progression into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
However, Alonso will know his team cannot afford another performance like the opening 45 minutes as they continue their campaign on multiple fronts.
