The Blues had fallen behind in tonight's fifth-round contest when Mateo Joseph opened the scoring after just eight minutes. However, cool finishes from Nicolas Jackson and Mykhailo Mudryk ensured Pochettino's side led at the interval.

Chelsea had to respond again, however, after Joseph's second of the evening titled the tie towards another 30 minutes. But as the contest moved into stoppage time, Conor Gallagher collected a pass from Enzo Fernandez and fired home.

That has set up a quarter-final tie against Championship leaders Leicester City and while Pochettino accepted it wasn't a vintage performance from his side, he was pleased with the battling qualities they displayed.

'We needed this result,' said the Chelsea boss. 'It wasn’t a great performance. Of course, credit to Leeds, they are a team that is full of confidence, is a very strong team, and is doing fantastic in the Championship and are near the top of the table.

‘It was tough for us, even more when you concede after a few minutes. But I think the character we showed after this situation is something to learn for the team and, in the end, we’re so happy.

'We avoided extra time, scored at the end, and are in the quarter-final which was our objective.

‘It’s always tough when you lose a final in extra time and you have only 72 hours to recover. That’s always difficult. Today the effort was massive again and I must say thank you to the players for that massive effort.’

After his exertions in Sunday's Carabao Cup final at Wembley, Gallagher started tonight's contest on the bench but was introduced midway through the second period with the game level at 2-2.

And the Academy graduate delivered at the crucial moment as he struck his fourth goal in the last five matches.

'He is an important player, that is not in doubt,' stated Pochettino. 'We have talked from the beginning of the season that his contribution for the team is fantastic.

'I am so happy for him and [joked] with him that he is going to be top scorer, so be careful. His effort is there and the quality is there.’