Chelsea’s hopes of a trip to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final took a blow with a 1-0 defeat to Championship side Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Middlesbrough defended resolutely in the second half and took their chance in the first through Hayden Hackney’s first-time finish and deserve enormous credit for beating a far more expensively assembled team.
But in truth, the Blues only have themselves to blame for not heading into the second leg at Stamford Bridge in a commanding position. Here’s where it went wrong for Mauricio Pochettino’s side…
Palmer uncharacteristically wasteful
Embed from Getty ImagesFor all of Chelsea’s shortcomings against Middlesbrough, they could have gone into the second leg in a stronger position if Cole Palmer had taken his opportunities. The forward, who has been excellent for the Blues since signing from Manchester City, spurned a golden chance when Jonny Howson gave the ball away at 0-0 and another soon after Middlesbrough had taken the lead, poking over on the rebound from a few yards out. He has been a much needed source of goals since signing but his finishing was lacking tonight and it proved costly in the leg, but will hope it won’t cost his side a place in the final.
Jones causes problems for Chelsea’s left-side
Embed from Getty ImagesIsaiah Jones enjoyed a fine evening, showcasing his quality out on the right flank. He brilliantly set up Hackney’s goal, patiently holding the ball up before working himself the space to cut the ball back across goal for his team-mate. Levi Colwill played at left-back as he has done for much of the season but often looks uncomfortable there and lost the battle to Jones in the key moments, and Thiago Silva’s lack of pace next to him didn’t help either. It was a key match-up that proved fatal for the Blues.
Lack of intent and urgency
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea might have had the chances to take something back to Stamford Bridge but their overall performance in possession was disappointing. It was too slow, laboured and predictable with the ball. Pochettino’s side spent a lot of the game moving the ball slowly around the back with little movement ahead of the defenders to really ask questions of their opponents. It set the tone for the game and allowed Middlesbrough to feel comfortable in their shape. Middlesbrough’s goal came from one great ball over the top from Daniel Barlaser to Jones, yet Chelsea seemed content with short passes far away from their opponents’ goal until they became more desperate in the second half.
Poor delivery from out wide
Embed from Getty ImagesWhen Chelsea did decide to start taking more risks as the game got into the later stages, the quality of delivery and decision making from out wide let them down. Either there were crosses attempted when they should not have been or a poor delivery when there was a chance to create something, especially with Armando Broja on the pitch, who has shown his aerial ability. For all their play in the second half, Chelsea struggled to create big opportunities.
