Chelsea's Xabi Alonso takes responsibility for shaky start despite Carabao Cup comeback win over Leeds

Xabi Alonso watched his Chelsea team hit six goals in the second half against Leeds United but felt the need to "take responsibility" for the shaky start that came before the flurry.

Amid the 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.

Defender Tarik Muharemovic opened the scoring before Brenden Aaronson doubled Leeds' lead shortly after the break.

Alonso had responded to Chelsea's out-of-sorts start by making four substitutions at half-time. On came Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Neto and Reece James, and together they changed the game.

The sight of Palmer and Rogers warming up had gladdened the hearts of many, turning jeers to cheers. By the end of the night, Palmer had scored twice, fellow substitute Pedro Neto had also found the net, and Rogers left the field after helping to create four goals from open play in Chelsea's remarkable turnaround.

However, speaking after the match, Alonso said he had made it "hard" for his players in the first place.

"I need to take my own blame and my own responsibility on the things that happen," he said. "I need to be able to help them better so they are not responsible, and after you need to react and think what's better for the team."

Alonso said the raft of substitutions he felt compelled to make should be considered "part of the game".