Chelsea Thrash Leeds 6-3 as Rogers and Palmer Inspire Cup Comeback

Chelsea are through in the Carabao Cup after a remarkable 6-3 turnaround against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer scoring twice and Morgan Rogers supplying three assists after both entered at half-time.

Four half-time changes spark Chelsea revival

The Blues looked set for a shock exit when Leeds built a 2-0 lead before the break. Xabi Alonso responded decisively, making four substitutions at the interval as Palmer and Rogers were introduced to change the tie.

Palmer struck two goals in the space of three minutes, one from the penalty spot, to bring Chelsea level. Rogers was central to the recovery, creating goals for Palmer, Pedro Neto and Danny Welbeck as Chelsea tore through Leeds after the restart.

• Leeds led 2-0 at half-time.
• Palmer scored twice, including a penalty.
• Rogers registered three assists.
• Neto, Valentin Barco and Welbeck also scored for Chelsea.
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored Leeds’ third in the 6-3 defeat.

Welbeck and Barco complete six-goal response

Chelsea’s attacking surge did not stop after Palmer restored parity. Neto converted one Rogers delivery, while Barco and Welbeck added further goals to put the contest beyond Leeds.

Welbeck’s strike was also created by Rogers, whose second-half influence gave Chelsea the attacking control they had lacked before the interval. Calvert-Lewin pulled one back for the visitors, but it only reduced the scale of the defeat as Chelsea sealed progress to the next round.

Rogers disputes Palmer’s Player of the Match award

Palmer was handed the Player of the Match trophy despite Rogers’ three assists, prompting a light-hearted dispute between the close friends during their post-match interview.

Rogers jokingly claimed he had made four goals and called the decision “mental”, arguing that Palmer had scored a penalty. Palmer responded that he had begun the comeback and said he would publicly recognise Rogers’ contribution. Asked whether he would surrender the award, Palmer’s team-mate sarcastically said he would have to, adding that the outcome was “rigged”.

The exchange continued online. Palmer posted a picture after the match and suggested they could share the award if it would satisfy Rogers. Rogers replied by tagging the broadcaster and saying there were serious discussions to be had.

What happens next for Chelsea

Rogers, signed for £117m in the summer, said Chelsea’s players and staff had made him feel welcome and given him the platform to show his ability. He added that playing alongside such talented team-mates made his job easier.

The attacker believes there are already signs of something developing in west London, while stressing that the group remain at an early stage and have plenty still to improve and achieve.

Chelsea will now aim to take their second-half momentum into the next Carabao Cup round and their domestic fixtures. The reunion of former Manchester City academy team-mates Palmer and Rogers has already given Alonso a dangerous creative partnership.