The match between Chelsea and Middlesbrough on May 8th, 2017, will forever be etched in the annals of football history as a classic display of dominance. The final scoreline of 6-1 in favor of Chelsea not only showcased their attacking prowess but also highlighted their ability to dismantle even the most resilient defenses.
From the first whistle, it was evident that Chelsea meant business. Their relentless pressing and precise passing left Middlesbrough chasing shadows. The opening goal came in the 23rd minute when Diego Costa expertly converted a cross from Cesc Fabregas. This early breakthrough set the tone for what was to come.
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.
Aside from a 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.
If Chelsea face London neighbours Fulham at Wembley next month, they will be strong favourites to win, but Pochettino's side will be underdogs if their opponents are Liverpool. Yet only 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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