Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea (Jan 9, 2024) Game Analysis

Chelsea suffered a shock 1-0 loss at second-tier Middlesbrough within the first leg of their League Cup semifinal on Tuesday with Hayden Hackney’s purpose giving Mauricio Pochettino’s wasteful facet loads to do within the return.

The 21-year-old Hackney’s silky end from an Isaiah Jones go shocked the guests within the thirty seventh minute on the Riverside Stadium and the hosts, helped by Australian goalkeeper Tom Glover, defended beautifully to take a slender benefit to Stamford Bridge.

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, extra (U.S.)

Chelsea solely had themselves in charge although as they dominated possession however squandered a bunch of possibilities — the largest perpetrator being Cole Palmer who did not hit the goal twice within the opening half with the purpose gaping.

Boro, who gained the trophy in 2004, had possibilities on the counter-attack to extend their lead however will head to London believing they’ll attain Wembley.

Chelsea’s gamers have been booed by a few of their very own followers on the last whistle however may have the possibility to make amends within the second leg on Jan. 23.

Liverpool host Fulham within the first leg of the opposite semi-final on Wednesday.

Chelsea’s stuttering first season beneath Pochettino has been a case of 1 step ahead and two again and Tuesday was a chief instance of the issues they face as they have been unable to beat Michael Carrick’s injury-ravaged Boro.

They had 18 purpose makes an attempt, the bulk within the first half, however as soon as once more they lacked high quality in entrance of purpose and have been typically uncovered in defence.

“We made some mistakes in the first half and gave them chances to score,” Pochettino advised Sky Sports after his facet’s ninth defeat of the season in all competitions.

“After that they were aggressive and played with a deep block and it was hard for us to break them down. But we have another 90 minutes and we need to be positive.”

For former Manchester United and England midfielder Carrick, and a raucous dwelling crowd, it was a particular evening.

“I know it’s a two-legged affair and it’s still all to play for but with all we’ve had to go through with injuries and setbacks to beat a team with Chelsea’s quality is unbelievable,” Carrick mentioned. “It was an exceptional effort.”

Boro started on the entrance foot however have been pressured into early adjustments with Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alex Bangura each hobbling off inside the opening 20 minutes.

Palmer ought to have put Chelsea in entrance when he was gifted the ball by Jonny Howson however fired wastefully extensive.

Minutes later Boro took the lead when the full of life Jones did beautifully to latch on to a protracted go and bamboozle Chelsea left again Levi Colwill earlier than squaring for Hackney to information the ball previous Djordje Petrovic from shut vary.

Palmer wasted an excellent higher probability in first-half stoppage time as he sliced over from in entrance of purpose after Boro keeper Glover failed to assemble a shot by Enzo Fernandez.

And Palmer was denied once more earlier than the half-time whistle, this time taking too lengthy to shoot after which firing too near Glover who had an outstanding recreation.

Chelsea monopolised the ball within the second half however lacked the guile to interrupt down Boro’s crimson wall.