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Blues fringe players did not make the most of their opportunities on Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso has said he will review how to make Chelsea’s squad players more effective after he was forced to make four half-time substitutions to prevent defeat in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Leeds United.

Chelsea were trailing 1-0 at the break when Alonso withdrew Estevao, Jamie Gittens, Malo Gusto and 16-year-old debutant Reggie Watson, sending on the more established quartet of Reece James, Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto.

Although the home side quickly fell 2-0 behind, they responded by scoring six times in the second half to secure a 6-3 victory and book their place in the fourth round.

“When you don’t have time to work with them, it is difficult to compete at this level,” Alonso said.

“So it is my responsibility, and we had to take decisions at half time. We need to analyse it.

“I will have a deeper assessment about how I can help players not playing that much to have a better impact.”

Alonso was asked if the game showed that Chelsea’s top players are capable of winning any match for them, while the squad players are not at the required level.

In reply, the Spaniard said: “I prefer not to take that cynical [view]. And I know probably I haven’t taken the right decisions for them to show their best level. It is something I will learn from today.”

Chelsea take on Hull City in the Premier League on Saturday, with the newly promoted Tigers unbeaten since returning to the top flight after wins over Manchester United and Coventry City, and a draw against Aston Villa in their most recent outing.