Rogers praises Alonso’s attacking style after Chelsea’s six-goal comeback

Morgan Rogers says Chelsea are an “exciting” team to play in under Xabi Alonso after they recovered from two goals down to beat Leeds 6-3 in the League Cup.

Chelsea trailed after goals from Tarik Muharemovic and Brenden Aaronson, but Cole Palmer scored twice to bring the hosts level before Pedro Neto put them ahead.

Danny Welbeck extended Chelsea’s advantage, although Dominic Calvert-Lewin reduced the deficit for Leeds. Valentin Barco and Welbeck then added further goals to complete a high-scoring victory and send Chelsea into the fourth round.

Chelsea have now scored 16 goals in Alonso’s first five matches in charge in all competitions, winning four of those games.

Rogers came on at half-time with Palmer and Neto and played a central role in the turnaround, providing three assists during an impressive 10-minute spell.

The England international joined Chelsea from Aston Villa in the close season and said he was relishing the attacking freedom offered by Alonso.

“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, who has been friends with Rogers since their time together in the Manchester City academy, has also benefited from Alonso’s arrival after finding consistency difficult last season.

The midfielder believes Chelsea are starting to develop greater fluency in attack, although he accepts there is still room for improvement.

“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 said the understanding between Palmer and Rogers could become a significant asset 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 acknowledged that he had taken a risk 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 return to Premier League action on Saturday, when they host Hull City at Stamford Bridge.