Carabao Cup

JUST two members of Chelsea’s 2022 Carabao Cup final starting XI remain at the club.The Blues will face Liverpool in a repeat of their clash from two years ago at Wembley on February 25.
Two members of Chelsea’s 2022 Carabao Cup final line-up are still at the clubCredit: PA

Liverpool ended their 10-year wait to win the competition by defeating Chelsea 11-10 on penalties following a goalless 120 minutes of action.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side booked their place in the final by thrashing Middlesbrough 6-1 on Tuesday to advance 6-2 on aggregate.
Meanwhile, the Reds edged past Fulham on Wednesday to complete the final line-up.
Whilst 14 of Liverpool’s matchday squad from 2022 remain at the club, Chelsea’s overhaul under Todd Boehly has left their team looking almost completely different.
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Only six players are still at the club, with two out on loan, and just two remaining from the starting line-up.
Here is a look at where their cup final side are now.
Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy was withdrawn before the end of extra-time after keeping a clean sheet at Wembley two years ago.
The Senegal goalkeeper remained at Stamford Bridge until last summer, before completing a switch to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli.
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Edouard Mendy was withdrawn for Kepa Arrizabalaga before the penalty shootoutCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times
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Trevoh Chalobah
One of two players remaining from the side, Trevoh Chalobah enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2021/22.
However, a long-term thigh injury has ruled him out for the entirety of the current campaign, with his last appearance coming in May.
Trevoh Chalobah is one of two players from the starting XI still at ChelseaCredit: Getty
Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva also remains in West London after signing a one-year contract extension in February 2023.
The veteran defender, 39, has made 24 appearances this term and has been a key man for Pochettino.
Thiago Silva also remains at Stamford Bridge two years onCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Antonio Rudiger
Antonio Rudiger’s contract situation was already a long-running talking point by the time of the 2022 final.
The Blues were unable to agree a new deal with the German and he went on to join Real Madrid in the summer, where he still plays today.
Antonio Rudiger left Chelsea for Real Madrid at the end of the 2021/22 seasonCredit: Getty
Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea’s captain last time they reached the Carabao Cup final, Cesar Azpilicueta was forced off injured before the hour mark.
The Spaniard’s 11-year spell with the Blues came to an end last summer as he departed for Atletico Madrid on a free transfer.
Captain Cesar Azpilicueta was forced off injured at WembleyCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
N’Golo Kante
N’Golo Kante also remained at Stamford Bridge for the club’s underwhelming 2022/23 campaign.
However, the World Cup winner moved on at the end of the season, joining Saudi champions Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal.
N’Golo Kante joined Saudi champions Al-Ittihad in the summerCredit: Getty
Mateo Kovacic
Kante was joined in midfield by Mateo Kovacic at Wembley and the Croatian partnered him once again last term.
Manchester City swooped for the 29-year-old in the summer, though, completing a £30million deal for Kovacic, who has made 24 appearances since.
Mateo Kovacic now plays for treble winners Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
Marcos Alonso
Marcos Alonso won six major trophies with Chelsea as well as reaching two cup finals in 2022.
The full-back returned to Spain that summer, moving on a free transfer to Barcelona, where his contract expires at the end of this season.
Marcos Alonso scored in the penalty shootoutCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times
Mason Mount
Academy graduate Mason Mount was withdrawn during the second half at Wembley as Chelsea pushed for a breakthrough.
After 18 years with the club, the 25-year-old moved to Manchester United last summer, but injuries have limited him to just 12 appearances for the Red Devils.
Mason Mount was sold to Manchester United last summer after 18 years at ChelseaCredit: Getty
Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic was substituted alongside Mount during the final 20 minutes as part of a Chelsea double change.
The USA international left for AC Milan in a £20million deal last summer and has since scored seven goals for the Italian giants.
Christian Pulisic is now starring in Italy for AC MilanCredit: Reuters
Kai Havertz
Kai Havertz lead the line against Liverpool at Wembley after scoring the winner in the Champions League final nine months earlier.
He stayed at the club until the end of last season before joining London rivals Arsenal for £65million.
Kai Havertz joined London rivals Arsenal at the end of last seasonCredit: Marc Aspland – The Times
Substitutes
Two players from the Chelsea bench remain at the club, including unused sub Malang Sarr.
Club captain Reece James was also on the bench, replacing Azpilicueta during the second half.
Kepa Arrizabalaga and Romelu Lukaku are still on the Blues’ books, but are currently on loan at Real Madrid and Roma, respectively.
The Spanish keeper replaced Mendy for the shootout, only to fail to save a spot-kick before missing himself to hand the victory to Liverpool.
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Elsewhere, Jorginho is at Arsenal, Ruben Loftus-Cheek plays for Milan and Callum Hudson-Odoi now stars for Nottingham Forest.
Striker Timo Werner is back in the Premier League despite leaving Chelsea, joining Tottenham on loan from RB Leipzig earlier this month. More

RAHEEM STERLING’S semi-final goal CURSE is still in tact – despite Chelsea scoring SIX past Middlesbrough to book their place at Wembley.The winger, 29, was in scintillating form for Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg rout of Middlesbrough.
Raheem Sterling has not scored in the semi-final of any competition in NINE YEARS – but did have a hand in three Chelsea goalsCredit: Getty
Chelsea romped past Middlesbrough 6-1 to book their place in another Wembley finalCredit: PA
But despite his brilliant performance Sterling’s NINE-YEAR wait for a goal will go on.
Sterling had a hand in three goals as the Blues ran riot at Stamford Bridge and could easily have scored himself – but chose the unselfish option.
Sterling grabbed two assists on the night, with the first goal seeing him bare down on goal one-on-one but pass to Armando Broja instead of shoot.
The striker couldn’t miss – but didn’t bank on Boro captain Jonny Howson stealing it off his toe and turning into his own net.
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The second Chelsea goal came from good work by Sterling down the right hand side, playing a one-two with Axel Disasi, whose cut-back was fired home by Enzo Fernandez.
Disasi then got a goal himself, winning possession in midfield and driving forward before latching onto a Sterling cross to turn in the third.
Two goals from Cole Palmer and a Noni Madueke effort made it a brillaint night for the Blues – who will play either Fulham or Liverpool in the final – but the visiting faithful had something to cheer about when Morgan Rogers slotted home late on.
The lack of a Sterling goal means he has not scored in the semi-final stage of ANY tournament since January 2015.
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He was playing in this same competition against Chelsea for Liverpool, scoring the equaliser for the Reds after an Eden Hazard penalty.
Sterling failed to score in the second leg of that clash – with Chelsea winning 1-0 and going on to win the competition, as well as the Premier League, under Jose Mourinho that season.
His goal drought has now stretched a further 22 games and NINE YEARS.
The majority of those games came in the Sky Blue of Manchester City, where he failed to score in 15 semi-final matches, including five Champions League ties – four of those against Real Madrid.

There were also three blanks for England – against Croatia at the 2018 World Cup, the Netherlands in the 2019 Nations League and Denmark at Euro 2020.
Sterling has a slightly better record in finals, scoring two goals in the 6-0 FA Cup final win against Watford.
He didn’t score during 120 minutes of the 2019 League Cup win against Chelsea, but Sterling did convert the winning penalty. More

A CLUB which has lost five consecutive Wembley finals and a manager who has never won a trophy in English football can now set the record straight. Mauricio Pochettino’s ruthless Chelsea savaged a Middlesbrough side with a death wish and booked their place in the Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool or Fulham on February 25. 
Cole Palmer netted twice as Chelsea romped to a 6-1 winCredit: Getty
Chelsea matched the record for the most goals scored in the second leg of the tournament set in 2010Credit: Getty
Michael Carrick’s side had a night to forgetCredit: Rex
Here’s how the game played out on paper
And now the Argentine’s Stamford Bridge reign, which has spluttered along all season, has found a potential launchpad.  
Jose Mourinho twice won the League Cup to propel both of his tenures as Chelsea manager into life and now Pochettino has the opportunity to do the same.
After £1billion of spending, Todd Boehly’s chaotic ownership may earn its first piece of silverware too. 
Michael Carrick’s Boro were supposedly defending a one-goal lead in this semi-final second leg – but there was precious little defending to speak of. 
The Championship side were holed beneath the waterline by four first-half goals as Carrick found out the hard way that it is naive in the extreme play out from the back against world-class players when you have no world-class players of your own. 
Still, Chelsea were impressive in their aggressive attitude and decisive in their finishing after the minor embarrassment of a 1-0 defeat at the Riverside a fortnight ago. 
Ben Chilwell, restored at left-back after injury, led from the front with a captain’s performance and Raheem Sterling was instrumental in Chelsea’s first three goals. 
A Jonny Howson own goal, followed by strikes from Enzo Fernandez, Axel Disasi and Cole Palmer killed off this tie before half-time.
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Then Palmer added his second and Noni Madueke also struck as Chelsea twisted the knife, before Morgan Rogers netted a classy consolation goal.
Now the Blues can turn their attentions to Wembley, where in all likelihood they will face Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who defeated them on penalties in both domestic cup finals two seasons ago.
The Premier League leaders will defend a 2-1 lead in the other semi-final on the opposite side of Fulham at Craven Cottage tonight. 
This was a wretched night for Boro, whose tactics were as childish as the supporters who disgraced themselves with ‘rent boy’ chants which will doubtless earn their club a hefty fine.
Chelsea had been poor in their first-leg defeat on Teesside but they did miss a hatful of chances, with Palmer – playing as a false nine that night – the chief culprit. 
Levi Colwill had filled in at left-back at the Riverside and Boro’s goal emanated down his flank. 
Colwill and Palmer were both assured here, back in their rightful positions at centre-half and as a No 10 respectively.  
And everything clicked for Pochettino once the square pegs had been pulled out of round holes. 
Cole Palmer put in a stunning display against Middlesbrough
Ben Chilwell was all over the pitch as he made his injury return
Axel Disasi put in his best display at right back so far at Chelsea
There were 4,300 Smoggies packing out the The Shed as Boro aimed for a first major cup final in a generation. 
And in keeping with Pochettini’s pre-match moans about the librarian element in Chelsea’s support, it was the travelling fans making most of the racket. 
Boro actually made a lively start, with Howson kippering World Cup winner Fernandez in one memorable passage. 
But it was Chilwell, making his first start after injury, who gave the Blues impetus. 
First the skipper scurried on to a lofted through-ball from Thiago Silva and looped a header over as keeper Tom Glover meandered off his line for a flap.
Next, Chilwell made the goal which levelled the tie, cutting in from the left and beating two Boro men, the England left-back then played a delicious outside-of-the-boot pass to fox the defence and release Sterling. 
Sterling squared for Armando Broja whose scuffed shot deflected off Howson and past Glover to liven up the home fans. 
Boro swiftly won a corner and Morgan Rogers had a shot smartly saved by Djordje Petrovic.  
Chelsea were rampant in the first halfCredit: PA
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough were a shadow of the team which won the first legCredit: Reuters
But Chelsea were two-up before the half-hour and it was sparked by Sterling. 
The man Gareth Southgate forgot produced a gorgeous back-heel to release Disasi down the right and the full-back cut back for Broja to tee up Fernandez for a simple finish.
The third goal was all about Disasi, who won a strong tackle on the halfway line and found Palmer, whose first-time pass fed Sterling for a square ball to the marauding Disasi who thumped it past Glover. 
Game over inside 36 minutes. 
The fourth was a horror show for Carrick’s side, trying to play out from the back and getting absolutely monstered. 
Dan Barlaser was the fall guy, robbed by Palmer in his own area, after a hospital ball from Hayden Hackney. 
Palmer picked his spot and plenty of Boro fans headed for the bar or, perhaps, an early train home.
Pochettino started making substitutions at half-time as he rested players for Aston Villa’s FA Cup visit on Friday night. 
Palmer added his second 13 minutes from time, side-footing home after sub Conor Gallagher had cut back. 
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Gallagher added a second assist when he fed Noni Madueke, who cut inside and drilled a shot which Ray Van Den Berg only helped into his own net.
Rogers at least gave the visiting fans something to cheer when he cut inside from the left and netted arguably the goal of the match. More

THIRTY-SIX years on and “the battle of Stamford Bridge” still sends a shiver through Middlesbrough legend Bernie Slaven.”It was the most frightened I’ve ever been on a football pitch,” said the former Republic of Ireland international of the play-off clash between Chelsea and Boro in 1988.
Bernie Slaven helped clinch Middlesbrough promotion against Chelsea in 1988Credit: Rex
It was a fiercely contest clash at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
Horses stormed onto the pitch after the gameCredit: Alamy
It was an ugly scene at the end of the 1988 play-offsCredit: Alamy
When the two sides meet on Tuesday night, a place in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley awaits the winners, with the Championship side holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg.
Back then, a top-flight ticket was the prize.
Chelsea, who had finished fourth-bottom in the old Division One, needed to overhaul a two-goal deficit from the first game at Ayresome Park to avoid relegation.
The Boro squad sensed they were in for a rough night two hours before kick-off.
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Goalkeeper Stephen Pears revealed: “The team bus came under attack.
“People were banging on the bus and even throwing stones. And when we got off, you should have heard the boos.
“It was really nasty and I remember being worried for members of my family who were there.”
Though Gordon Durie reduced the deficit early on, Bruce Rioch’s young Boro side hung on grimly to clinch promotion 2-1 on aggregate.
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Chelsea fans broke onto the pitch at the end of the gameCredit: Alamy
Blues supporters rushed the field after missing out on promotionCredit: Alamy
The final whistle should have sparked mass celebrations. Instead all hell broke loose with Middlesbrough players fearing for their own safety.
Especially striker Slaven, who had been so focused on the game, the increasingly ugly mood of the home support had passed him by.
He recalled: “I remember running towards our supporters on the final whistle.
“There were thousands of them packed behind one of the goals and, as our centre-forward, I was the nearest player to them.
“But as I got closer, the look on their faces was one of fear rather than joy and they seemed to be pointing behind me.
“I turned around and there were hundreds of Chelsea fans charging towards me.
“All of my team-mates were heading towards the tunnel so I just took off in that direction.
“I’ve never been the quickest but it’s funny what adrenaline and fear does to you.
“I swear I must have broken Linford Christie’s 100 metres record in that dash to safety. I only just made it thank God because those thugs wanted to give us a good kicking.
“One of our lads had a brick hurled at him and there were quite a few close shaves.
“I’ve never witnessed anything like it. It’s gone down in Boro folklore as ‘the battle of Stamford Bridge’.
“In those days, it was always a hostile place but on this particular night, it was absolute mayhem.”
Chelsea is a very different environment today and win, lose or draw, there is no chance of those disgraceful scenes being repeated.
Just like they were in 1988, Middlesbrough will again kick off as underdogs despite Hayden Hackney’s goal at the Riverside a fortnight ago giving them the advantage.
Slaven, now 63, believes that for his former club to make the final for the first time since they won the League Cup 20 years ago, they will have to display the same resolve Rioch’s side did.
Scotland-born Slaven said: “Had we gone there trailing or even with the scores level, I’d have given us little chance of making the final.
“But the boys have something to hang on to and will make it very difficult for Chelsea again.
“Michael Carrick got his tactics spot on for the first game and I’m sure he’ll have the boys well prepared again.
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“But I don’t think we can afford to sit back for 90 minutes. I’ve a feeling we’ll have to score a goal ourselves.
“It’s too close to call. All I know is that if Boro do win, the players won’t have to run for it when the final whistle blows.” More