The League Cup holds significant importance for Chelsea this season, especially as the club is not participating in European competitions. However, new coach Xabi Alonso's squad rotation strategy nearly led to "The Blues" exiting the tournament prematurely.

Despite not having an overly congested fixture schedule, Chelsea made nine changes to the squad that lost 1-2 to Arsenal in the Premier League third round last weekend. 16-year-old Reggie Watson made his first-team debut, partnering with Valentin Barco, a 46 million USD signing from Strasbourg, in midfield. Jamie Gittens and Estevao Willian played as attacking midfielders supporting striker Danny Welbeck but lacked match sharpness. Pep Chavarria, starting at left-back, struggled against Daniel James's pace.

Tarik Muharemovic scored the opening goal with a header in Leeds' 3-6 loss to Chelsea in the League Cup third round at Stamford Bridge, London, England, on 9/9. Photo: AP

Tarik Muharemovic scored the opening goal with a header in Leeds' 3-6 loss to Chelsea in the League Cup third round at Stamford Bridge, London, England, on 9/9. Photo: AP

The unfamiliar lineup caused Chelsea difficulties in controlling the game and left them vulnerable to set pieces. In the 22nd minute, following a long throw-in, Aaronson and Muharemovic took consecutive shots inside the box, forcing goalkeeper Mike Penders into a difficult save. From the subsequent corner, Wilson crossed to the far post, where Muharemovic headed across goal to open the scoring for Leeds.

Alonso made four substitutions at halftime, bringing on key players Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto, and Reece James. However, Leeds took just three minutes to respond to Chelsea's star power. Ethan Ampadu surged past Rogers before delivering a low pass into the penalty area. Lukas Nmecha executed a delicate backheel, setting up an unmarked Aaronson to finish and double Leeds' lead.

Facing a challenging situation, Chelsea unexpectedly received a penalty after an unclear collision between James and Chavarria in the box. From the penalty spot, Palmer struck a low shot into the right corner, reducing the deficit to one goal. By the 53rd minute, Leeds began to face immense pressure.

Cole Palmer celebrates after scoring a penalty goal. Photo: AP

Cole Palmer celebrates after scoring a penalty goal. Photo: AP

The momentum quickly shifted as Chelsea relentlessly pressed forward. The home team played with significantly more energy, with Palmer becoming the focal point of their attacks. In the 55th minute, from a Rogers lay-off, the English midfielder curled a gentle left-footed shot from about 18 meters, sending the ball into the corner of the net, leaving Zetterer with no chance to save.

Within five minutes, from the 60th to the 65th minute, Neto and Welbeck scored consecutive goals with comfortable finishes inside the penalty area, giving Chelsea a 4-2 lead. Leeds did not give up, as substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin quickly reduced the deficit to 3-4.

However, the visitors' hopes were quickly dashed. In the 80th minute, Barco's close-range finish restored Chelsea's two-goal lead. In injury time, Welbeck scored with a header across goal, completing a spectacular comeback and sealing the 6-3 victory.

Danny Welbeck (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring to make it 4-2. Photo: AP

Danny Welbeck (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring to make it 4-2. Photo: AP

After the match, Alonso admitted he was responsible for Chelsea's first-half performance. The Spanish coach stated that the players given starting opportunities should not be criticized, as their performance did not reflect what the coaching staff expected.

The former Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen coach also acknowledged that making nine changes was a gamble, especially as the League Cup could bring him a trophy in his first season managing Chelsea. "It is true there were many changes. It was a risk," Alonso said. "Things did not go as planned, so we had to make changes after halftime. I take responsibility for the first half."

On 12/9, Chelsea will continue their home fixtures, facing Hull City in the Premier League fourth round.

Hong Duy