Star subs rescue Chelsea as Alonso 'takes blame'

Chelsea's Carabao Cup campaign took a dramatic turn after a lacklustre start from the team under Xabi Alonso's management. The Blues trailed 2-0 at halftime, but Alonso's decision to make nine substitutions in the second half changed the course of the game. Defender Tarik Muharemovic opened the scoring for Leeds, but Chelsea's substitutes, including Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto, and Reece James, transformed the match. Palmer scored twice, while Rogers played a key role in creating four goals from open play. Chelsea ultimately emerged victorious, winning 6-3 in the third round. Alonso took responsibility for the team's poor start, saying he needed to 'take my own blame and my own responsibility on the things that happen.' The manager acknowledged that the substitutions made at halftime were part of the game, and he will need to work on helping his players to improve their performance. Chelsea's poor start in this competition is not an isolated incident, as the team has conceded at least two goals in four of Alonso's first five games in charge. Leeds, meanwhile, made eight changes to their lineup, but were unable to capitalize on their advantage.