Conor Gallagher scored a late goal to help Chelsea defeat Leeds United 3-2 and advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Leicester City.
Gallagher, Cole Palmer, and Ben Chilwell were rested by Mauricio Pochettino for the match against Leeds, as Chelsea aimed to recover from their loss to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Gallagher came off the bench to score the winning goal after Mateo Joseph’s second goal for Leeds had tied the game just before the hour mark.
Joseph scored his first senior goal in the ninth minute by heading in Jaidon Anthony’s cross.
Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk had put Chelsea ahead by half-time, but it was Gallagher who secured the victory for Chelsea in the end.
Poor defending by Chelsea allowed Daniel James a great chance to score for Leeds in the eighth minute, but he missed.
However, Leeds took advantage of their next opportunity when Anthony stole the ball from Moises Caicedo and Joseph scored. Leeds’ lead was short-lived as Caicedo redeemed himself with a pass to Jackson, who scored past Illan Meslier.
Chelsea then completely turned the game around when Mudryk finished off a great team play just before half-time.
However, Chelsea lost their momentum after the break and allowed Leeds to take control. Joseph scored a header from Anthony’s cross, punishing Chelsea for their lack of initiative.
Despite Joseph missing a chance in the six-yard box, Leeds, supported by 3,500 fans, continued to push for an upset. As the game seemed headed for extra time, Enzo Fernandez passed to Gallagher, who then scored a powerful goal over Meslier, securing Chelsea’s spot in the next round of the FA Cup.
