Morgan Rogers hails Xabi Alonso's exciting Chelsea revolution

Morgan Rogers hails Xabi Alonso's exciting Chelsea revolution

Chelsea were made to work for their place in the fourth round after falling 2-0 behind to goals from Tarik Muharemovic and Brenden Aaronson. However, Cole Palmer responded with two goals to bring the hosts level before Pedro Neto put Chelsea ahead.

Danny Welbeck added a fourth before Dominic Calvert-Lewin pulled one back for Leeds. Valentin Barco and Welbeck then completed the scoring as Chelsea secured a convincing victory.

The result means Chelsea have scored 16 goals in Alonso's first five matches in charge in all competitions, winning four of those games.

Rogers was introduced at half-time alongside Palmer and Neto and quickly made an impact. The England international provided three assists in a superb 10-minute spell as Chelsea turned the game around.

Rogers, who joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in the close season, said he is enjoying the freedom Alonso has given the attacking players.

"It's so enjoyable to play with high calibre players that are here. I'm enjoying my football, trying to be free, and showing what I'm about," Rogers said.

"Playing with a smile and playing free. Good things are happening at the moment, so it's nice. It's a really enjoyable team to play in."

Palmer has also benefited from Alonso's arrival after struggling for consistency last season. The midfielder, who has been friends with Rogers since their days together in the Manchester City academy, believes Chelsea are beginning to find their rhythm in attack.

"I'm enjoying it. All the attacking players, it's a lot different for us," Palmer said. "I think we still have a bit to go, but we are getting results which is the main thing."

Alonso believes the strong relationship between Palmer and Rogers can become an important weapon for Chelsea.

"For sure, it's so important. To have a great chemistry between them," Alonso said. "They enjoy assisting together. It's important for the team."

The Chelsea manager also admitted he took a gamble by making nine changes to his starting XI for the League Cup tie.

"Yeah, there was so many changes. There was a risk," Alonso said.

"Things weren't going the way we planned, so we had to change at half-time. I take responsibility with the first half.

"They knew they weren't starting and they were ready to make an impact. I'm happy with the result and the reaction."

Chelsea will now turn their attention back to the Premier League when they host Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

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