Easy to forget Alonso's side were booed off at half-time

[Getty Images] Xabi Alonso watched his Chelsea team hit six second-half goals against Leeds United , but felt the need to "take responsibility" for the shaky start that came before the thrilling flurry. Amid jubilation that followed the final whistle at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea recovered from 2-0 down to progress as 6-3 winners in the Carabao Cup, it was easy to forget that Alonso's side were booed off at half-time. Supporters witnessed arguably the worst first half of Alonso's short tenure to date, with Chelsea fortunate not to be further in arrears after the head coach made nine changes to his line-up. The team's rhythm was disrupted. Leeds made eight changes themselves, but Daniel Farke's side took control and were threatening to surge into the fourth round. Alonso responded to Chelsea's out-of-sorts start by making four substitutions at half-time - on came Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Pedro Neto and Reece James, and together they changed the game. However, speaking after the match, Alonso said he had made it "hard" for his players in the first place. "I need to take blame and responsibility," he said. "I need to be able to help them better so they are not responsible." For the Premier League's biggest clubs, this competition is usually an opportunity to blood youngsters and give fringe players valuable minutes. However, only 35-year-old Danny Welbeck, who scored twice, emerged from the starters with a compelling case for more regular involvement. Young attackers Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens suffered the disappointment of being substituted at half-time, while £40m signing Geovany Quenda did not add to his solitary substitute appearance as he watched from the bench. Midfielder Reggie Watson, making his debut at 16 years old, was also withdrawn at the break after being booked. Alonso later said he would not take a "cynical" view about the difference in level between his proven stars and back-up options. Nevertheless, reaching the fourth round is important for Chelsea. It is not only about preserving their hopes of silverware in a season without European football, but also about needing as many competitive fixtures as possible. Read the full article here