Chelsea travelled to the Riverside Stadium last night to play in the first leg of the Carabao Cup Semi-Final. However, the second leg isn’t looking bright as they lost 1-0 to Middlesbrough. The Blues are going to have to put in a better performance in able to make a come back in a fortnight.
Chelsea were finally starting to pick up form, having won their last 3 games on the spin beating Crystal Palace, Luton, and Preston North End but they weren’t able to get a goal past Borough. This was the first time since December 10th that The Blues haven’t been able to score a goal. This will have to change if they want to reach the Carabao Cup against either Liverpool or Fulham.
Although Chelsea lost 1-0, they dominated possession throughout the match, and had the most clear cut chances in the 90 minutes. Having a total of 18 shots, 5 of those being on target, it was tough for The Blues to not be able to put one past Thomas Glover. Chelsea had 72% possession in the match and had 5 shots inside the box but still had difficultly putting the ball in the back of the net.
A stand out performer for the West London side was 21 year-old, Cole Palmer, who created the most chances throughout the match. Despite the fact that he was one of Chelsea best players on the pitch, he missed two major opportunities for his side which could be costly.
However, the star of the show was Middlesbrough’s number 7, Hayden Hackney who manage the grab the only goal in the match. Assisted by Isaiah Jones, Hackney was able to slot it home with his weaker foot, just outside the 6-yard box to take his side into the lead. Hackney hasn't had excellent season for Middlesborough so far, scoring only 2 goals, from playing 22 matches. However, he got the all important goal, that mattered against Chelsea, and he hoping to have the same stand-out performance in the second leg.
Chelsea will be looking to start the second leg with a bang, as they must put 2 goals past Borough to stand a chance of beating them inside 90 minutes. Only time will tell to see who makes it into the Carabao Cup Final against either Liverpool or Fulham.
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