Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers trade jokes after Chelsea’s dramatic League Cup comeback

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers exchanged playful jibes over the player-of-the-match award after Chelsea recovered from two goals down to beat Leeds United 6-3 at Stamford Bridge in the English League Cup on Wednesday.

Palmer was given the award after scoring Chelsea’s first two goals, but Rogers was quick to question the decision in front of the television cameras.

“Mate, I got four assists! I can’t believe it, that is criminal… he only scored a penalty!” Rogers joked.

Palmer replied: “I was the one who started the comeback.”

Rogers continued to mock the choice of winner, adding: “That is criminal… Don’t mention my name then, I’m just a spectator here!”

The exchange was also shared on social media alongside the caption:

“Mate, I got four assists!””That is criminal!”Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer arguing over the POTM award! 🤣

Leeds had looked on course for a notable away victory after taking control of the match. Tarek Muharemovic opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Brenden Aaronson doubled the visitors’ advantage three minutes after half-time.

Chelsea had started the game with a much-changed side featuring several reserve players, leaving them with a difficult task when they returned for the second half two goals behind.

However, manager Xabi Alonso’s substitutions changed the momentum of the contest. Morgan Rogers, Reece James, Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto were all introduced at the start of the second half.

Palmer immediately made an impact, reducing the deficit from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute. He then struck again only two minutes later to bring Chelsea level at 2-2.

The home side completed their turnaround in the 60th minute when Pedro Neto put them ahead for the first time. Danny Welbeck extended Chelsea’s advantage five minutes later, making it 4-2.

Leeds responded through Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who scored to make it 4-3, but their hopes of forcing the game back in their favour lasted only briefly.

Valentin Barco restored Chelsea’s two-goal lead in the 80th minute, scoring the hosts’ fifth goal. Welbeck then completed the rout in the fourth minute of added time, claiming his second goal of the match and Chelsea’s sixth.

The result sends Chelsea through to the next stage after they began their English League Cup campaign with a 2-0 victory over Luton Town. Leeds had also reached this round by beating Nottingham Forest 2-0.

The match was notable not only for Chelsea’s nine-goal thriller but also for the light-hearted exchange between Palmer and Rogers after the final whistle. Rogers’ claim that he had provided four assists became part of the post-match discussion, despite Palmer receiving the official individual award.

The story was also accompanied by references to other football topics, including Jose Mourinho’s comments that he did not owe Real Madrid anything and that the club had not reached the Champions League semi-finals before his time there. Another related item concerned L’Equipe’s selection of an all-time Champions League team, with Lionel Messi included and Cristiano Ronaldo left out.

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