In the Carabao Cup third round, **Chelsea** came from two goals down [**to beat Leeds United 6-3**](https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/09/09/premier-league/1270782-chelsea-6-3-leeds-a-nine-goal-efl-cup-thriller-to-be-remembered.html) at **Stamford Bridge** after a disjointed performance earlier in the game.
Alonso’s Changes Turned the Game
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The difference between Chelsea’s rotated side and their primary starters was clear in the tie.
**Xabi Alonso** made nine changes from the team that started against **Arsenal**. Yet the selected side against Leeds failed to gel. Due to Chelsea’s poor first-half display, the opponent took advantage.
Although _the Blues_ still conceded two goals in the second half, the substitutes **Cole Palmer**, **Morgan Rogers**, **Pedro Neto** and **Reece James** changed the way Chelsea played after being introduced at half-time.
With the addition of these four, Alonso’s side had more players capable of attacking spaces quickly. Moreover, Palmer and Rogers in particular made the West London side far more direct once they entered the game.
Chelsea scored four times in 12 minutes owing to the involvement of the two Englishmen.
Rogers created problems for Leeds in central areas, providing four assists, while Palmer provided more ruthlessness in front of goal.
Chelsea’s Defence Still Needs Work
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Despite all the excitement, Chelsea’s defensive flaws remain an issue. _The Blues_ let in three goals against Leeds, making it 10 goals shipped in Alonso’s first five matches.
In addition, Leeds showed that Chelsea can be exposed from set pieces and through wide transitions with the goals they scored.
Before the Carabao Cup clash, Alonso had acknowledged that the defence needed to improve after [**the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal**](https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/09/06/premier-league/1270423-arsenal-2-1-chelsea-arteta-shows-off-attack-in-thriller.html). _"My priority is to win games, and for that, normally it is easier when you don't concede,"_ He told reporters.
"_So for sure, it is something we must address. We must be tighter, more clinical, more balanced. But this takes time as well._
_"We're not happy. It hurts, we are disappointed for sure, but it's the first defeat, we have a long way to go and it doesn't have a big impact on our mood._
_"It needs to hurt but hurt in a positive way. It's game three, so there are lots of games to play. I want to compete and to win._
_"This is where we are, game three of a new phase, but I am happy with the players. They tried and fought really hard."_
Barco and Welbeck Shine for Chelsea
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There were also positives from players such as **Valentín Barco**, who scored his first goal for Chelsea to make it **5-3**. **Danny Welbeck** was also impactful as the former Manchester United striker grabbed a brace.