Chelsea sealed their place in the Carabao Cup final after a resounding 6-1 win against Championship side Middlesbrough.
Goals from Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke, Axel Disasi and a Jonny Howson own goal confirmed the Blues as the first team in the Wembley showpiece next month.
Here are five things we learned from a dominant performance from Mauricio Pochettino’s men…
Chilwell return a huge boost for Chelsea
Ben Chilwell’s return to the Chelsea starting eleven will be a massive boost for Mauricio Pochettino ahead of a busy period for the Blues. The fullback was starting a match for the west Londoners for the first time since September 2nd, having recently made his playing return in the 1-0 derby win over Fulham last week. Chilwell was Chelsea’s biggest attacking threat in the opening 20 minutes, and was crucial in the building up for their opening goal. If Chilwell can remain fit, then it will be a huge boost for Pochettino.
Michael Carrick will become a Premier League manager
Middlesbrough were brought crashing dow to earth after their brilliant win against Chelsea at home in the first leg, with Boro 4-0 down before halftime. Despite a calamitous defensive performance, the Championship outfit showed glimpses of potential in their overall play, causing the home side issues at times. Manager Michael Carrick refused to change his game plan even after falling behind, with the work the former Manchester United midfielder has done at the Teeside club nothing short of sensational. He is destined for a job in the Premier League if he keeps Boro on this trajectory.
Mudryk disappoints yet again
It was yet another match in which Mykhailo Mudryk failed to impress in a season of struggle for the Ukranian. Although there have been glimpses of potential from the winger, there has not been enough performances that warranted Chelsea spending £85 million in the last January transfer window. Mudryk was subsequently hauled off at halftime by manager Mauricio Pochettino with the game already won. To make matters worse for the 23-year-old, his replacement Noni Madueke scored the Blues’ sixth of the game late on to further compile Mudryk’s miserable evening.
First half mistakes cost Boro dear
Middlesbrough’s Carabao Cup campaign has been a very impressive one, but the saved their worst performance for their last match in the competition. By half-time they were 4-0 down with Chelsea’s passage to the final secured, mainly down to a host of defensive mistakes from the vistors. Jonny Howson steered the ball into his own net for Chelsea opener, whilst misplaced passes led to the Blues’ third, fourth, fifth and sixth goals. A far from mature performance from Boro, who threw away a golden opportunity for a rare Wembley visit.
Palmer is Chelsea’s player of the year already
Cole Palmer has been a sensational piece of business for Chelsea this season. 22 goal contributions in all competitions this season has seen the former Manchester City youth star called up to the England senior squad and become a mainstay in a out of sorts Chelsea side. Without the 21-year-old in their side, Mauricio Pochettino’s side would be in a far worse position than they are currently. A brace today, both coolly taken after Boro mistakes, shows maturity beyond his years. A top class talent.
