{
  "id": 6495717,
  "title": "Alonso 'takes responsibility' as Chelsea subs rescue cup hopes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/alonso-takes-responsibility-as-chelsea-subs-rescue-cup-hopes",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-09T23:25:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/alonso-takes-responsibility-chelsea-subs-232544052.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Xabi Alonso took responsibility for Chelsea's shaky start as his team secured a 6-3 victory over Leeds United in the Carabao Cup. The Portuguese coach witnessed his team score six goals in the second half to overturn a 2-0 deficit and reach the fourth round. However, Alonso felt he was partly to blame for Chelsea's poor first-half performance, which saw them booed off at halftime. He made nine changes to the lineup, including bringing on debutant Reggie Watson, who was 16 years old at the time. The substitutes made a significant impact, with Daniel Farke's side taking control and threatening to progress further. Despite the positive outcome, Alonso acknowledged that he needed to better help his players in high-pressure situations.",
  "summary": "Chelsea get the better of Leeds in a cup thriller, but Blues boss Xabi Alonso has food for thought after needing rescue act from his star substitutes.",
  "key_points": [
    "Xabi Alonso takes responsibility for Chelsea's shaky start",
    "Chelsea secures 6-3 victory over Leeds United in Carabao Cup",
    "Alonso acknowledges need to improve in high-pressure situations"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "BBC Sport",
        "title": "Star subs rescue Chelsea as Alonso 'takes blame'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/star-subs-rescue-chelsea-as-alonso-takes-blame",
        "published": "2026-09-09T23:25:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Alonso warns Chelsea: Goals aren’t enough—find balance and learn to win boring games",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/alonso-warns-chelsea-goals-arent-enough-find-balance-and-learn-to-win",
        "published": "2026-09-10T08:15:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}