If it served as a reminder of the past, it could also be seen as a step towards a better future for Chelsea. The team’s first major final since the end of the Abramovich era is on the horizon, and for owners like Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, who have been criticized, there must be a sense of satisfaction in seeing concrete proof that their ambitious youth project is moving forward.
Unfortunately, it was a complete mismatch for Middlesbrough. Their 1-0 lead from the initial game was completely demolished in the first half of the match against Chelsea. The opposing team scored four unanswered goals and Cole Palmer, who has scored 11 goals since being signed from Manchester City in the summer, was unstoppable. Raheem Sterling also caused chaos for Boro’s defense. Additionally, Ben Chilwell had an outstanding performance in his first start since suffering a hamstring injury in September.
Mauricio Pochettino, the manager tasked with rationalizing the extravagant investments made by the new owners, could take pleasure in a match that was thankfully free from the usual disorder. After a tumultuous 18 months, it was almost as if Chelsea had returned to their former glory. Securing a spot at Wembley with a 6-2 aggregate victory is as convincing as it gets, even for a club that routinely made it to cup finals during Abramovich’s reign.
It’s important to keep things in perspective. Chelsea has had a favorable schedule, with easy home games leading up to a semi-final against a lower-tier team. However, more challenging matches are on the horizon. They will face Aston Villa at home in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday and then travel to play Liverpool in the league next week.
Chelsea extended their unbeaten home game streak to nine with a dominant performance against Boro. Pochettino, despite showing signs of frustration, could only find positives in his team’s calmer and more poised approach compared to the first leg. Boro’s chances of reaching the final, a feat they have not accomplished since 2004, quickly diminished.
Boro’s position in the Championship, sitting at 11th place and struggling with injuries, was a harsh reality that overshadowed any romantic notions. Unfortunately, Isaiah Jones, who had been a standout player against Chelsea in their previous match, was unable to play. Despite Chelsea also dealing with a long list of injuries, their situation did not affect the outcome. Pochettino’s strategic approach proved too much for Boro, as they were unable to maintain a defensive formation. Surprisingly, his decision to bench Conor Gallagher paid off. Chelsea had an easier time spreading out the game with Mykhailo Mudryk and Sterling on the wings, Palmer supporting Armando Broja, and Enzo Fernández pushing forward from midfield.
In his first appearance as a left-back this season, Chilwell had a significant impact. It is interesting to note that Pochettino frequently utilized him as a winger at the beginning of the season. Chilwell, who excels at overlapping and making runs from deep, was determined to demonstrate his suitability for a defensive role.
Donning the armband served as motivation for him. He displayed quick reflexes and eagerly took on challenges, nearly scoring for Chelsea when he headed wide after outmaneuvering Tom Glover for a long pass. He was surprised to receive a penalty for a foul on Boro’s goalkeeper, indicating the intensity of Chelsea’s play.
Unfortunately, Boro was unable to react effectively to the strategy of Jonny Howson dropping back into a defensive formation of five players. This caused confusion and resulted in Fernández and Moisés Caicedo having too much room in midfield. Chelsea took advantage of this and tightened their hold on the game. In the 14th minute, Chilwell successfully stole the ball, made a skillful move to create space, and passed it to Sterling. Sterling then drew in Glover and passed the ball to Broja, who was ready to score into an empty net. However, Howson rushed back and in his effort to dispossess Broja, ended up scoring an own goal.
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After losing their initial advantage, Michael Carrick’s team attempted to retaliate. Morgan Rogers’ shot was saved by Djordje Petrovic. However, it was clear that the momentum was in one team’s favor. Chelsea took the lead on overall score, thanks to Sterling’s assist which allowed Axel Disasi to make a run from the right-back position and set up Fernández for an easy goal.
Boro once again struggled and were overpowered, leading to their downfall. Disasi seized a weak pass from Matt Clarke and confidently scored a goal with assistance from Palmer and Sterling. The lead extended to four when Palmer, controlling the game at his own tempo, took advantage of another defensive mistake and struck a low shot past Glover.
Chelsea took their foot off the gas in the second half. Pochettino appeared to show some mercy towards Lukas Engel, who had been roughed up while playing left-back, by moving Sterling to the other side. However, Engel’s relief was likely short-lived as Noni Madueke, who replaced Mudryk, began to attack him. Chelsea never lost their ability to step up their game.
When Gallagher was substituted and set up Palmer for a quick shot, and when Madueke skillfully curled in the sixth goal, it became clear. Chelsea could anticipate playing against either Liverpool or Fulham at Wembley. The mood was not dampened even when Rogers scored a great late goal.
Source: theguardian.com
