Middlesbrough will take a one-goal lead into the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final after a 1-0 win over Chelsea on the Riverside Stadium.
Hayden Hackney’s first-half end for the Championship aspect put Michael Carrick’s males in entrance to the delight of the house crowd, whereas Cole Palmer uncharacteristically spurned three glorious alternatives for the misfiring Premier League workforce.
Mauricio Pochettino’s workforce dominated possession however didn’t do sufficient to seek out the equaliser on the night time and succumbed to a fifth away defeat in six matches. They’ve left themselves with work to do to succeed in the ultimate at Wembley. Boro can dream.
How Boro took benefit
Boro performed with intent from the outset. Levi Colwill’s poor defensive header allowed Emmanuel Latte Lath by means of on objective inside the primary minute of the match however the ahead failed to attach correctly, his shot proving snug for Djordje Petrovic.
It was doubly pricey for Carrick’s aspect as a result of Axel Disasi’s determined lunge in attempting to dam the shot caught Latte Lath and the Ivorian was compelled off injured because of the problem. Josh Coburn changed him however Boro then misplaced Alex Bangura too.
Chelsea have been unable to capitalise however ought to have taken the lead when Jonny Howson gifted possession to Palmer. His shot was dragged extensive of the publish when well-placed and the Premier League aspect have been punished for this profligacy quickly afterwards.
Daniel Barlaser despatched Isaiah Jones away down the fitting flank and his low cross was swept residence by Hackney. Moises Caicedo didn’t monitor the run nevertheless it was a neat end from the 21-year-old academy graduate to boost the temperature contained in the Riverside Stadium.
Pochettino had urged Chelsea to begin with extra goal than they’d within the FA Cup win over Preston nevertheless it was their failure to benefit from Boro’s errors that was the problem right here. Palmer missed a fair higher probability than his first simply earlier than the interval.
Tom Glover inexplicably mishandled Enzo Fernandez’s tame shot from distance, presenting Palmer with what appeared to be an easy end into the open web on the volley. As an alternative, the England worldwide contrived to spoon the ball over the bar.
This wastefulness has been a theme of Chelsea’s season however the benefit of a two-legged semi-final is that there’s time to show it round. Even so, for all their possession, there was a desperation to their play within the second half. Wild pictures. Aimless crosses.
It wanted a nice rearguard motion from Boro to maintain them out however amid a particular Teesside ambiance, they did simply that. Chelsea will fancy their possibilities again at Stamford Bridge on January 23. However they might want to take them. It’s Boro who lead going into the second leg.
What’s subsequent?
Middlesbrough are again in Sky Guess Championship motion after they journey to Millwall on Saturday, kick-off 3pm.
Chelsea host Fulham at Stamford Bridge in a West London derby on Saturday, kick-off 12.30pm.
The second leg of this semi-final will happen at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday January 23, kick-off 8pm.