Chelsea players hurried over to express their apologies to their seething supporters following a disappointing night at Middlesbrough. The Blues’ performance was marred by their wastefulness in front of goal, a fact reflected in the shocking statistics.
A Night to Forget
Boro academy graduate Hayden Hackney demonstrated clinical finishing, scoring a cool goal in the 37th minute to give Michael Carrick’s side a 1-0 lead in the Carabao Cup semi-final. It was a lead that Chelsea knew they should have overcome. The travelling faithful made their dissatisfaction known after the final whistle.
Player-Fan Interaction
Some boos were captured by TV microphones, prompting the cameras to focus on Thiago Silva engaged in conversation with a group of angry fans. Silva, Chelsea’s standout player on the night, appeared to be trying to calm the situation. He even touched hands with one supporter, receiving a thumbs up in return. Levi Colwill, Armando Broja, and Alfie Gilchrist also approached the away end to show their appreciation for the fans who had made the long journey. However, it was noted that not all Chelsea players acknowledged the supporters.
Missed Opportunities
Despite dominating possession with 72% and attempting 18 shots, Chelsea failed to find the back of the net. Of those shots, five were on target. Unfortunately, Cole Palmer, playing as the false No9, bore the brunt of the missed chances. Palmer squandered four golden opportunities, including a shot from the edge of the area and a close-range rebound that he put over the bar.
Mauricio Pochettino’s Reaction
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino claimed he did not witness the incident and acknowledged the fans’ disappointment. He emphasized that there is still 90 minutes to play in the tie, leaving room for a comeback. Pochettino stressed the need for his team to be more clinical in front of goal, as their wastefulness has been a recurring issue this season.
The Result and Controversial Tackle
The result at the halfway point in the tie could have been worse for Chelsea. In the very first minute of the match, Axel Disasi made a late sliding tackle on Emmanuel Latte Lath inside the penalty area. However, he escaped punishment as VAR was not in use.
Despite their frustrations, Chelsea will have another opportunity to turn the tide in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The fans will be hoping for a more clinical display from their team as they aim to secure a place in the final.