Croix Overview

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has praised the flourishing partnership between Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers following their match-winning impact against Leeds United. The Blues boss believes their long-standing friendship, dating back to their Manchester City academy days, is acting as a catalyst for Chelsea's attacking improvement.

Brenden Aaronson has been told, by former Whites winger Jermaine Pennant, why he does not “have to be Lionel Messi” in order to become a key performer for Leeds. The USMNT star is considered to embody as an individual what his current employers are as a club. He may not be the most talented player on the planet, but he can always be relied upon to work hard.

Leeds United managing director Robbie Evans has revealed the club and manager Daniel Farke are making strong progress towards a new long-term contract. With the German head coach in the final year of his current deal, the Elland Road hierarchy insist there is no need to rush negotiations.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has taken full responsibility for a disjointed performance that saw his side fall two goals behind against Leeds United before rallying for a remarkable Carabao Cup victory. The Blues boss admitted he made life "too difficult" for his rotated squad after making nine changes for the midweek clash at Stamford Bridge.