Chelsea responded in perfect fashion after a 1-0 first-leg defeat by thrashing Middlesbrough 6-1 (6-2 Agg) – with four of their goals coming in the opening 45 minutes – Cole Palmer scores brace.
The Blues fell to a shocking 1-0 defeat away at Middlesbrough in their first leg EFL semi-final outing – which further proved how difficult it has been for them to beat a low-blocking team this season.
However, The Blues rose to the occasion last night with their ruthless display at Riverside Stadium from the moment Jonny Howson conceded an own goal in the 15th minute. Chelsea were already 4-0 up after just 42 minutes and put the game beyond reach after Noni Madueke netted the sixth goal in the 81st minute – with Morgan Rogers grabbing a late consolation goal.
By then, the hosts had long since secured their place in the final, a 6-2 aggregate win, ensuring they will face the winner between Liverpool and West London rival, Fulham, on February 25.
Ben Chilwell, who has just returned from a long injury, proved to be missed as his vision and delivery were crucial for his side’s opener. His through ball to Raheem Sterling depleted Boro’s defence, with Sterling then passing to Armando Broja – but before he could shoot it past Tom Glover, Boro’s captain, Howson inadvertently diverted it beyond the reach of his own goalkeeper.
15 minutes later, a delightful back-heel pass from Sterling to sterling, who sprinted into the box before feeding Broja – who then scuffed the ball into the path of Enzo Fernandez before the record signing midfielder made no mistake to guide the ball into the corner of the net.
Middlesbrough reacted by going all out against the home side, trying to create something out of the blues – but it was not going to be their day as another quick counter from Axel Disasi to Raheem Sterling added salt to the injury. Disasi inverted into the box to get a return pass from Sterling before sliding it past the goalkeeper. It was his second goal of the season since signing for the blues in the summer, scoring Chelsea’s first goal of the season against Liverpool back in August, 2023.
Chelsea’s top scorer, Cole Palmer, netted a brace. The first came as a gift after he hijacked a faulty back pass from Hayden Hackney to Dan Barlaser before putting it past the goalkeeper. The second was a beautifully crafted goal after the substitute, Conor Gallagher, did all the hard work before setting up Palmer for the cool finish.
The hosts were looking to reach their first final since Todd Boehly’s Clearlake Capital Consortium completed its buyout of the club in May 2022.
Michael Carrick’s side fought to hold on as it were but it was not enough as Noni Madueke danced through and made it six via a deflection of Ray van den Berg. A late consolation goal from Rogers just at the death of the game brought a roar from the visiting fans.
Chelsea’s last two journeys to EFL final
Chelsea’s recent EFL Cup campaigns have been a rollercoaster ride of thrilling victories, agonizing defeats, and a relentless pursuit of silverware. As they gear up for another final showdown, let’s rewind and relive the highs and lows of their last two journeys to Wembley.
2022: A Tale of Penalties
The 2022 EFL Cup final saw Chelsea face Liverpool in a highly anticipated clash. The Blues, under the astute leadership of Thomas Tuchel, had navigated their path with impressive composure, overcoming Aston Villa, Southampton, Brentford, and Tottenham Hotspur, often relying on their penalty shootout prowess.
The final against Liverpool, however, proved to be a tense affair. Despite dominating possession, Chelsea couldn’t find a breakthrough in regulation time. The game then unfolded into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, a scenario Chelsea had become accustomed to. Kepa Arrizabalaga, the hero of previous shootouts, returned to Wembley, and this time his efforts proved to be abortive as he skies the last penalty shootout against Caoimhin Kelleher, which sealed Liverpool’s ninth EFL Cup title, sparking jubilant celebrations amongst the travelling fans.
2019: Wembley Agony – Chelsea’s 2019 EFL Cup Final Heartbreak under Sarri
The 2019 EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium was a night etched in the memories of Chelsea fans for all the wrong reasons. Under the stewardship of Maurizio Sarri, the Blues faced Pep Guardiola’s dominant Manchester City side, their path to glory paved with penalty shootouts but ultimately ending in agonizing defeat.
Chelsea’s journey to the final wasn’t a smooth one. They scraped past Bournemouth and Burton Albion on penalties, before edging past Derby County and Tottenham Hotspur in dramatic late wins. Sarri’s pragmatic style, while effective, drew criticism for its perceived lack of attacking intent.
The final itself was a tactical chess match between two contrasting philosophies. Guardiola’s City, known for their possession-based dominance, controlled much of the game. Chelsea, however, defended resolutely and looked to hit on the counter. Despite chances for both sides, the game remained goalless after 90 minutes and extra time.
Penalty Drama and Kepa’s Rebellion
With penalties looming, Sarri made a controversial decision. Despite Kepa Arrizabalaga appearing to cramp, the manager attempted to substitute him for Willy Caballero, the club’s established penalty specialist. Kepa, in a moment of defiance, refused to come off, sparking outrage on the touchline and confusion amongst the players.
The penalty shootout itself was a tense affair. Both teams converted their first four spot-kicks, before Jorginho’s trademark hop and skip saw his effort saved by Ederson. Raheem Sterling then stepped up to smash home the winning penalty, sending City fans into raptures and leaving Chelsea players and fans heartbroken.
So, Where Does Chelsea Stand?
