Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas led a stirring comeback against Leicester City in the EFL Cup as the capital side won 4-2 (AET) in a dramatic game on Tuesday night.

Shinji Okazaki, known more for his exceptional work-rate than his scoring exploits, ended his goal drought with a first-half brace, aided by an inept Chelsea defence.

Both his 17th and 34th minute strikes were correctly adjudged to have crossed the line, as new-signing David Luiz switched off at key moments to allow the Japanese international to sneak in and score.

Leicester and Chelsea both wielded weakened sides for what is seen as a second-tier competition, as Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy were on the bench for the hosts while Eden Hazard and Diego Costa were in the dugout for the visitors.

Chelsea new-boy Marcos Alonso made his debut for the Londoners, in what may just be the first-choice backline for Antonio Conte as the season progresses.

And while their defensive duties left a lot to be desired, his two centre-backs, David Luiz and Gary Cahill combined well on a corner to bundle home a vital goal seconds before the break. While the goal was officially attributed to Cahil, Luiz&’s determination was key in ensuring the ball did travel over the line.

And another defender was on the scoresheet, as Cezar Azpilcueta equalised for the visitors with a sumptuous volley in the 49 minute to swing the momentum firmly in Chelsea&’s way.

Fabregas, who has seemingly been out of favour since Conte took over the reigns this summer, finished a brilliant team-move in the 92nd minute to give his side the lead for the first time.

Substitute Hazard opened up the Leicester defence with a sinking run, before back heeling the ball for an on-rushing Fabregas to curl home.

And just two minutes later the Spaniard smashed home a rebound from inside the box swinging the game is his team’s favour. His sterling performance from a deep-lying position will put him in contention for a starting spot for Saturday&’s derby against his former side, Arsenal.

Manager Conte will be extremely relieved after a home loss to Liverpool in the Premier League on Friday had some fans upset.

For Leicester, it has been a strange season as they are still getting used to becoming a ‘marked team’ and Claudio Ranieri knows his team cannot dwell on the loss, for a big tie against Manchester United on Saturday looms large.