The recent Carabao Cup match between Chelsea and Middlesbrough was an absolute spectacle, with Chelsea emerging victorious with a resounding 6-1 win. This result not only showcased the immense talent and skill of the Chelsea players but also highlighted the importance of this competition in providing opportunities for young talents to shine.
Firstly, this match demonstrated the depth of talent within the Chelsea squad. With several key players rested, it was an opportunity for lesser-known players to step up and prove their worth. And boy, did they deliver! The likes of Billy Gilmour and Tino Anjorin showed great composure on the ball, making intelligent passes and creating numerous scoring opportunities. This victory not only boosts their confidence but also sends a message to other teams that Chelsea possesses a formidable squad capable of winning silverware.
Chelsea's emphatic 6-1 semifinal second-leg win against Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge confirmed the Blues' first Carabao Cup final since losing to Liverpool in 2022. Jurgen Klopp's team will be their opponents again on Feb. 25 if they see off Fulham in Wednesday's second leg at Craven Cottage. Liverpool lead 2-1 from the first leg. But while Chelsea have been cup final regulars in both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in recent years, Pochettino's failure to deliver similar success during his 5½ years at Tottenham has always counted against him.
Carabao Cup final defeat against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in 2015, followed by a UEFA Champions League final loss at the hands of Liverpool in Madrid four years later, Pochettino has a miserable record in knockout competitions, leaving aside his one Coupe de France title with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Chelsea missed a host of chances in the first leg at the Riverside Stadium, and were made to pay. Hayden Hackney's first half strike for Boro was the difference between the two teams coming into this decisive second meeting. 
Full-back Isaiah Jones and midfielder Jonny Howson are both doubtful for Middlesbrough, while Christopher Nkunku's absence through injury leaves Armando Broja as the only recognized striker available to Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino. 
Manchester City have won more trophies than Chelsea over the past 10 years, so no matter who Pochettino's side take on at Wembley, they will do so with the expectation that accompanies all of the top clubs.
They have the talent within their team; trophy-winning experience in the form of Sterling, Palmer and Thiago Silva; and a coach with something to prove. This Chelsea team is nowhere near the finished article, but they are now just one win away from winning a trophy, and that is a good place for both the team and Pochettino to be in so soon after his arrival at the club last summer.
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