Nizaar Kinsella on Chelsea's big win over Middlesbrough to reach Carabao Cup final
Mauricio Pochettino played to the gallows when picking his starting XI and, by taking the handbrake off, earned a pressure-lifting 6-1 win over Middlesbrough. At half-time, Chelsea were 4-0 up and knew they had booked their spot in the Carabao Cup final, ultimately winning 6-2 on aggregate. A poor first-leg defeat was quickly consigned to history as Jonny Howson turned into his own net, Enzo Fernandez stroked in a near post effort, Axel Disasi tapped in a Raheem Sterling cross, and Cole Palmer tucked home a finish after a stray Boro pass. In the second half, Chelsea were able to lower the tempo but still added more goals through Palmer and Noni Madueke to give the supporters a much-needed lift.