In a surprising turn of events, Championship side Middlesbrough secured a 1-0 victory over Premier League giants Chelsea in the League Cup semifinal clash.
Hayden Hackney netted the only goal in the 38th minute, dealing Mauricio Pochettino’s expensive squad another blow. This defeat, marking Chelsea’s fifth loss in six away games, intensifies the pressure on Pochettino as the team currently languishes in 10th place in the Premier League.
The match saw Boro’s boss, Michael Carrick, facing early setbacks with top scorer Emmanuel Latte Lath forced off due to injury in just three minutes. Despite the adversity, Middlesbrough held their own, showcasing a strong performance in the first half.
The last time Boro scored against Chelsea was over 17 years ago, but Hackney’s close-range finish from Isaiah Jones’ low cross broke the deadlock just before half-time.
Chelsea had opportunities to level the score, especially through Cole Palmer, but the former Manchester City academy graduate missed two golden chances in the first half.
The second half saw Chelsea dominating possession but struggling to find the back of the net. Pochettino’s side, despite significant investments in players, showcased a familiar lack of goal threat.
Raheem Sterling and the introduction of substitutes Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja failed to break down Middlesbrough’s resilient defense.
The loss leaves Chelsea with the daunting task of turning the tie around when they face Middlesbrough again at Stamford Bridge on January 23. For Pochettino, this adds to the challenges in what has been a disappointing first season in charge of the London club.
