Leeds United were knocked out of the EFL Cup on Wednesday night, throwing away a 2-0 lead before Chelsea scored six times after the break to win 6-3 at Stamford Bridge.
The Whites appeared to have one foot in the fourth round when they established a two-goal cushion, but Chelsea completely changed the game in the second half. A six-goal onslaught left Leeds stunned and brought their cup run to an abrupt end.
Michael Zetterer had a night he will want to forget after making his Leeds debut. The German goalkeeper struggled badly after coming into the side, and could have done better for at least half of the goals the Whites conceded.
For Daniel Farke, the result will raise concerns beyond the scoreline. The performance exposed some worrying defensive frailties and offered little reassurance about whether Zetterer can be trusted as Leeds’ second-choice goalkeeper.
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Xabi Alonso makes Leeds United point after win
Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso has conceded that he takes responsibility for the first-half performance and admitted the way Leeds played forced him to change things after the break.
He insisted that his substitutes were ready to make an impact in the second half and indicated that a few of the players who started the game struggled against Leeds’ intensity.
Alonso said on Sky Sports: “Happy with the result and the reaction.
“Yeah, there were so many changes. There was a risk. Things weren’t going the way we planned, so we had to change. I take responsibility for the first half. The crowd were great, with the atmosphere [pushing the players on].”
On impact of subs: “I like that they were ready before the game. They knew they weren’t starting and they were ready to make an impact.
“When you put together a team that hardly plays together, it is difficult to play at this level when [Leeds United] are intense.”
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Leeds have a big league game this weekend
The Whites have squandered a huge opportunity to win their first game at Stamford Bridge in over 27 years, and this will remain a disappointment.
However, Daniel Farke needs his players to get over this result and keep their league form going when they host Newcastle United at Elland Road this weekend.
Leeds are still unbeaten in the Premier League, winning one and drawing two of their opening three Premier League games.
The Whites will fancy keeping that run going against Newcastle, but the players cannot allow the Chelsea result to linger for too long in their psyche.
No shame losing to a now very good Chelsea side. We (Leeds Utd) played some very good football and get back up to beat Newcastle our next match. 1 critisism tho Nmecha had a bad game, effort was there but he didn’t hold the ball up and lost it many times. I thought the new goalkeeper was NOT at fault for any of the Chelsea goals, it was just very good attacking play. Trafford would have done no better. Monday v Newcastle is more important!