Chelsea Rally From 2-0 Down to Beat Leeds 6-3

Chelsea are through to the Carabao Cup fourth round after overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Leeds United 6-3 at Stamford Bridge, with Danny Welbeck scoring twice in a wild second-half finish.

Enzo Alonso’s side were staring at an early cup exit after Leeds raced into a 2-0 lead, but Chelsea exploded after the break. Cole Palmer struck twice inside three minutes to wipe out the deficit, before Pedro Neto and Welbeck pushed the Blues ahead during a devastating 12-minute spell.

Leeds briefly threatened another twist when Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored in the 75th minute, but Chelsea had more in reserve. Valentin Barco added another before Welbeck completed the scoring with a late second goal, sealing a nine-goal victory and Chelsea’s place in the next round.

Welbeck praised after decisive cup impact

Former Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink believes the 35-year-old will offer far more than goals following his move to west London. Welbeck had also scored in Chelsea’s previous Carabao Cup win over Luton Town and has made an immediate impression despite being expected to operate behind João Pedro in the striker pecking order.

“He’s going to add a lot,” Hasselbaink said. “He played for Arsenal and Manchester United and did the business for Brighton. He knows he won’t be Chelsea’s first choice and he accepts that.

“But he can give the other players so much, both on the pitch and away from it. He will speak to them and help them, but he also wants goals and wants to be in the right places. It is a great signing for Chelsea.”

Chelsea’s youthful squad has often been short of experienced voices in recent seasons, and Welbeck’s Premier League background is seen as a major part of the appeal. Hasselbaink said his personality and professionalism could be as valuable as his contribution in front of goal.

“He is a top striker, but people outside the group will not fully understand how important his character and his off-pitch influence can be,” Hasselbaink added. “He has been an outstanding professional throughout his Premier League career. I hope he keeps progressing at Chelsea.”

Welbeck’s latest display gives Alonso a selection decision in attack as Chelsea return to league business. Next up, the Blues host newly promoted Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday.