Chelsea staged a stunning second-half comeback at Stamford Bridge, scoring four goals in 12 minutes to beat Leeds United 6-3 in the Carabao Cup third round. Trailing 1-0 at the break, Xabi Alonso made four half-time substitutions as Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto turned the frantic nine-goal thriller upside down.
Xabi Alonso has delivered a ruthless assessment of Chelsea’s squad depth by banishing one of the club's most expensive young prospects from first-team duties. The Spaniard, who has enjoyed a mixed start to life at Stamford Bridge, made it clear that certain players will have to look elsewhere for minutes as he refines his tactical project in west London.
JJ Gabriel is playing a patient waiting game at Manchester United, with the 15-year-old wonderkid hoping to make his senior breakthrough at some point in the not too distant future. He did figure in a friendly fixture during the summer of 2026, but Red Devils legend Andy Cole has told GOAL that a competitive bow for the talented teenager “might not be this season”.
Joe Willock scored a late winner as Newcastle United survived a scare against Championship side Millwall to reach the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. Matthias Jaissle's side struggled to fire in front of goal before the midfielder finally broke the deadlock at the Den.
Crystal Palace comfortably booked their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round with a convincing 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough at Selhurst Park. A Jorgen Strand Larsen double and a sublime Daichi Kamada chip sealed a dominant evening for Pierre Sage’s rotated side.
Bournemouth secured a dominant 4-0 victory over Lincoln City in the EFL Cup third round to earn Marco Rose his first competitive win as manager. A remarkable Ryan Christie hat-trick and a late Rayan strike comfortably booked the Cherries' place in the fourth round.
