Cole Palmer powers Chelsea to comeback win over Leeds in nine-goal epic

· Guardian-Football

Where’s the fun in doing it the easy way? 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.

Where’s the fun in doing it the easy way? 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 made little sense. 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.

> “I take responsibility,” Alonso said. “No player is to blame. 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. His moves were decisive. 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. Morgan Rogers and Palmer were devastating after replacing Estêvão and Gittens. Rogers had a hand in four goals and Palmer, who scored twice, seemed affronted by the notion of Leeds going through.

It finished as another thrilling attacking display from Chelsea, who have scored 16 goals in Alonso’s first five games. There are flaws to fix at the other end, though. Leeds also experimented, Daniel Farke making eight changes, but controlled the first half. They led when the Bosnia and Herzegovina centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, signed from Sassuolo last summer, headed Harry Wilson’s corner past Mike Penders in the 23rd minute.

Chelsea have already conceded 10 goals in all competitions. Leeds could have doubled their lead through Sean Longstaff. Valentín Barco and ­Watson, son of the former Wigan ­midfielder Ben Watson, were second best in midfield.

Leeds were on their way when Barco lost possession three minutes into the second half. Ethan Ampadu charged past Rogers and found Lukas Nmecha, who teed up Brenden ­Aaronson to make it 2-0.

Chelsea needed a lift. Chavarría crossed from the left and went to ground. Gillett whistled and Palmer scored with 53 minutes played. “He gave out of nothing a penalty where it wasn’t even a chance for them,” Farke said. “A quality player scores and the body language of the Chelsea players was different.”

Palmer was in his element, equalising in the 55th minute after Rogers laid the ball off for his pal to stroke a casual finish past Michael Zetterer from 20 yards. Chelsea were rampant and led on the hour, Palmer and Rogers combining for Neto to finish well. Leeds looked dizzy. They readied the changes but Danny Welbeck made it 4-2 with a sharp turn and finish in the 65th minute.

Leeds kept fighting. Dominic Calvert-Lewin came on and pulled one back to remind Alonso of Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses. Chelsea responded, Rogers crossing for Barco to score his first goal for the club. The sixth followed, Barco’s mis-hit shot diverted in by Welbeck. “A crazy nuts game,” Farke said. That’s been the way for Chelsea under Alonso.

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