Boro upset wasteful Chelsea in Carabao Cup semis first leg

Chelsea fans likely didn’t anticipate their high-priced team facing challenges from a right-winger who joined Middlesbrough five years ago for a nominal fee from Tooting and Mitcham.

Isaiah Jones, despite causing difficulties for Levi Colwill, played a key role in Hayden Hackney’s goal, giving Middlesbrough a 1-0 first-leg lead in the Carabao Cup semi-final. This unexpected result means Michael Carrick’s Championship side heads to Stamford Bridge for the second leg with a crucial advantage.

Although Mauricio Pochettino’s Premier League team remains the favorite to advance, Middlesbrough’s chances of winning the League Cup, similar to their feat in 2004, are still alive. Chelsea would be unwise to underestimate players like Jones and midfielder Dan Barlaser in the upcoming match.

Pochettino commented on Chelsea’s performance, acknowledging mistakes and a lack of clinical finishing. Despite the disappointment, he emphasized that it’s only halftime in the tie, and Chelsea needs to stay positive and aim for the final.

The match saw Chelsea missing ten injured senior players, while Middlesbrough had 12 absentees. Boro’s early injuries seemed unfavorable, but a tactical shift by Carrick proved pivotal. Jones, shifting from wing-back to right-winger, troubled Colwill, contributing significantly to Middlesbrough’s defensive efforts.

The decisive goal came from Jones, exploiting a booking Colwill received and delivering a low cross for Hackney’s 37th-minute goal. Despite Chelsea’s attempts to equalize, including Palmer’s missed chances and Pochettino’s tactical changes, Middlesbrough defended well and secured a historic victory.

Carrick expressed pride in his team’s performance, acknowledging the challenge ahead in the second leg. Pochettino highlighted the need for Chelsea to learn from their mistakes and remain optimistic about reaching the final.