Chelsea remain chaotic at the back but can drag their opponents into horrible places. It helps, mind you, to have some assistance from the referee. Jarred Gillett and Cole Palmer?
They made for a killer combination as Chelsea swerved embarrassment and treated Stamford Bridge to one of life’s rarities: a classic in the third round of the Carabao Cup. Gillett, a referee who always seems to be guessing when he makes key calls, was the villain as far as Leeds were concerned. They had just gone 2-0 up when Gillett altered the flow of the tie by pointing to the spot after Pep Chavarría made the most of slight contact from Daniel James.
The subsequent conversion from Palmer was inevitable and from there so was the comeback from Chelsea, who rattled through four goals in 12 minutes before eventually reaching the last 16 by winning 6-3. It could have gone down as Xabi Alonso’s first misjudgment as Chelsea’s manager. The Carabao Cup is important given the Spaniard’s side are not in Europe, but his rotation almost backfired.
Chelsea were shambolic after making nine changes – the 16-year-old debutant Reggie Watson was overrun in midfield while Estêvão Willian and Jamie Gittens struggled in attack – and Alonso was in emergency mode when he made a quadruple change at half-time. It’s the decisions we took. When you don’t have this time to work with them, it’s difficult to compete at this level.
I need to take my own blame for the things that happen. I need to be able to help them better. They are not responsible.
After you need to react and think what’s better for the team.” Equally Alonso can take credit for responding. Reece James offered security after replacing Watson and Pedro Neto scored after coming on for Malo Gusto, who could barely complete a pass during a wretched first half. Leeds, beaten at this stage for the 14th time in 18 years, were overwhelmed once their lead was halved.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
