Xabi Alonso makes Chelsea history with win v Leeds, breaks record held by Luiz Felipe Scolari
Chelsea’s comeback against Leeds United was emphatic, but it wasn’t particularly surprising. Xabi Alonso has given his attacking stars freedom, and it has resulted in Alonso making Chelsea history.
After the 6-3 win, in which he scored twice, Cole Palmer said the freedom afforded to Chelsea’s attacking players is something the squad is not used to, but is enjoying. It’s four wins for Alonso from five games.
What a game! Where do you rank this new Chelsea attack as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers shine again?
Leeds couldn’t handle them 🔥
A superb comeback for Chelsea against a good Leeds side that have not lost this season, despite three away games against Brighton and Forest twice. The Blues remain in the hunt for the Carabao Cup.
Alonso has changed the mentality of this Chelsea side. While he will be frustrated with the first half and the three goals conceded, he will be delighted with his side’s attacking potential. It has broken a record.
Most goals scored in first five Chelsea games before Alonso
Like Alonso, Luiz Felipe Scolari won four of his first five matches. Chelsea scored 13 goals under Scolari in his first five games, including 4-0 wins over Portsmouth – his first as manager – and 4-0 against Bordeaux.
It is the most amount of goals scored by Chelsea in a manager’s first five games. Antonio Conte, Carlo Ancelotti and Maurizio Sarri all watched their Chelsea sides score 12 in their first five outings as manager.
Alonso smashes record with massive 6-3 win over Leeds
After the first four, Chelsea had netted 10 times. A 3-2 win over Fulham, 2-0 against Luton, 4-3 against Brighton, and then 2-1 at Arsenal. Chelsea needed four goals for Alonso to break the five-game record.
Palmer’s brace, two from Danny Welbeck and goals from Pedro Neto and Valentin Barco saw Chelsea smash six past new Leeds goalkeeper Michael Zetterer. The 16-goal start to Alonso’s reign is a record.
Chelsea’s chances of silverware remain alive; can Alonso do it?
A whole host of Chelsea managers have secured silverware in their first season at Chelsea. Enzo Maresca won the Conference League and the Club World Cup; Thomas Tuchel won the Champions League.
Even after a season in which Chelsea finished tenth, this is a club that wins silverware. Alonso knows that to be a success, a trophy – whatever trophy that is – is a requirement. Chelsea are into the fourth round.
There is every chance he can guide Chelsea to the final. The fourth round draw will take place next week, when the final matches of the third round will be played. Another home draw would go down very nicely.
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