Mauricio Pochettino's team had a rough start but a strong ending to keep their hopes of silverware alive in a five-goal thriller
Conor Gallagher fired a late winner for Chelsea as they edged Leeds 3-2 in the FA Cup fifth round at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, setting up a home quarter-final tie with Leicester.
The hosts got off to a woeful start and went behind thanks to a defensive mix-up. The Blues failed to read Leeds' high press, resulting in Axel Disasi's tame pass to Moises Caicedo on the edge of the box. The visitors pounced on it and Mateo Joseph was able to slam home the opening goal.
Caicedo managed to redeem himself shortly afterwards, though, as he combined with Noni Madueke before sending the ball through to Nicolas Jackson, who managed to beat Illan Meslier from a tight angle. Then, late in the half, Mykhailo Mudryk lashed in a second for Chelsea when he got on the end of a well-placed cross from Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea looked capable of grabbing control of the game, but it was Leeds who came out strongest after the break and took the lead just before the hour mark with another goal from Joseph.
Mauricio Pochettino rang the changes from there, as Gallagher, Ben Chilwell and Cole Palmer came off the bench. It was Gallagher who provided the winning momeny in the 90th minute with a perfect touch and turn from an Enzo Fernandez pass before he found the net.
GOAL rates Chelsea's players from Stamford Bridge…
GettyGoalkeeper & Defence
Robert Sanchez (5/10):
Put under pressure with a short pass before the first goal.
Malo Gusto (5/10):
Gave possession away too much and didn't stand up to block the cross for Leeds' equaliser. Understandably subbed right afterwards.
Axel Disasi (4/10):
Terrible pass to give away the opener and just let attackers run at him without making much of an attempt to stop them.
Trevoh Chalobah (6/10):
Put up no challenge to block Joseph at the back post for Leeds' second goal but his passing was sound and he made a few important interventions.
Alfie Gilchrist (6/10):
Chelsea weren't as active down his side initially but he moved to the right for the final 30 minutes and stepped up well.
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Moises Caicedo (7/10):
Fought hard to win the ball throughout and set up the equaliser to compensate for a rough start.
Enzo Fernandez (7/10):
Did well to cut out Leeds' attacks and spark Chelsea moves with some good passes, resulting in the winning goal.
Mykhailo Mudryk (7/10):
Was well placed to receive the ball and slam in the 2-1 goal and was tricky for Leeds to handle with his quick and unpredictable movement.
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Noni Madueke (5/10):
Tried to be a direct threat with his dribbles and shots but nothing went his way.
Nicolas Jackson (6/10):
Applied a fine finish to equalise but struggled to get involved for long spells.
Raheem Sterling (6/10):
A perfect cut-back to Mudryk to put Chelsea ahead and offered a lot of support, though he was not much of a direct threat.
GettySubs & Manager
Ben Chilwell (5/10):
Brought on to offer more depth on the left side but was not a huge improvement.
Conor Gallagher (7/10):
His passes were neat and he did a fantastic job with the ball to provide the winning goal.
Levi Colwill (5/10):
Slotted in at the centre of defence after replacing Gilchrist.
Cole Palmer (6/10):
Immediately tried to offer a spark to a Blues attack that had gone flat in the second half.
Jimi Tauriainen (N/A):
Only on for the dying seconds.
Mauricio Pochettino (6/10):
His team lost an early lead and then sort of lost their hold on the match despite being at home to lower-league opposition. He made some big changes later in the game and they paid off when Gallagher got the winner.