Xabi Alonso takes responsibility as Chelsea recover from 2-0 down to beat Leeds

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has accepted responsibility for his side’s poor first-half display before their remarkable Carabao Cup comeback against Leeds United according to Yorkshire Evening Post. Leeds led 2-0 after Tarik Muharemovic and Brenden Aaronson struck, but Alonso introduced Reece James, Pedro Neto, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer at the break.

Palmer scored twice within two minutes as Chelsea overturned the deficit during a remarkable 12-minute spell, eventually winning after scoring six second-half goals. Speaking after the match, Alonso admitted his decision to field several fringe players had contributed to Chelsea’s struggles, while praising the substitutes for changing the game.