Middlesbrough Stun Chelsea To Secure Semi-Final Advantage
Middlesbrough will take a lead into the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Chelsea after an impressive victory against the big-spending Premier League outfit at the Riverside.
A huge week for the Vertu Motors-backed side had kicked off with a home tie against Aston Villa in the third round of the FA Cup, with ‘Boro bidding to avoid an early exit from the competition for the second season in a row.
Villa were hot favourites given their success in the league so far this season and came close to opening the scoring early on when Jhon Duran forced home ‘keeper Tom Glover into two smart saves.
‘Boro had chances at the other end before Glover was again called into action after the break to tip over a shot from the edge of the box from Villa captain John McGinn.
Villa continued to put pressure on the Middlesbrough defence but it looked like a replay was on the cards until three minutes from time when a shot from Matty Cash took a heavy deflection and nestled in the corner having wrong-footed Glover – putting the Premier League side through to round four.
‘Boro had only a few days to put that disappointment behind them before welcoming Chelsea to the Riverside for the first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final, with a place at Wembley awaiting the winners.
Already missing a number of players who were unavailable, the home side were dealt two major blows early on as both Emmanuel Latte Lath and Alex Bangura were forced off injured.
Chelsea should have taken the lead on the half-hour when Cole Palmer fired wide after being gifted the ball by captain Jonny Howson and ‘Boro made them pay six minutes later when Isaiah Jones managed to get free down the right wing and sent over a cross that was turned in by Hayden Hackney to send the home fans wild.
Palmer missed a gilt-edged chance after mistake from Glover shortly before the break, with the away side continuing to put pressure on the ‘Boro goal throughout the second half.
Despite Chelsea having more than 70% if possession and three times as many attempts on goal, ‘Boro’s defence held firm to secure a memorable victory and a 1-0 lead to take into the second leg at Stamford Bridge later this month – with more than 4,300 fans set to make the trip to London.