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      Why winning the Carabao Cup could be the worst thing Pochettino does at Chelsea, thanks to little known rule

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      MAURICIO POCHETTINO knows his Chelsea future could rest on this month’s Carabao Cup Final against Liverpool – if he lasts that long.But the Blues hierarchy might privately wonder if a Wembley win could end up causing the club MORE financial problems than defeat against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
      Mauricio Pochettino is fighting to keep his Chelsea jobCredit: Getty
      Todd Boehly faces financial woes at ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Victory on February 25 would earn Pochettino his first piece of silverware in English football after his spate of near-misses at Spurs.
      It would also ensure that the Blues would be back in Europe next season – but only in the Conference League.
      And that is where the money men inside Stamford Bridge could well be starting to get more than slightly concerned.
      Financial analysts including former Manchester City executive Stefan Borsson have already predicted that Chelsea will have to sell players in the six week gap between the end of the season and the close of the football financial year on June 30 to avoid breaching Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules.
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      Those regulations give clubs leeway to make “allowable losses” of £105m over three seasons.
      The latest figures from accountants Deloitte estimated Chelsea’s annual wage bill at £350m, while their current “amortisation costs” of transfers is believed to be in the realm of £180m-plus heading into next year.
      Chelsea are already likely to earn at least £17m less in Prem TV money than they had envisaged.
      A top six place would be worth around £157m compared to the £140m if they remain in their current 11th position.
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      Then you can factor in two years of missing out of at least £75m in Champions League revenue.
      But more of a concern is that qualifying for Europe would mean Chelsea having to meet Uefa’s far MORE stringent financial rules – or face significant penalties.
      ‘All bets are off’ at ‘madhouse’ Chelsea says Sun Sport’s Andy Dillon following defeat against Wolves
      Under Uefa rules, introduced this season, clubs competing in any competition next term will be restricted to spending a maximum 80 per cent of their revenues on wages and transfers.
      Chelsea’s income is likely to fall to below £450m this season and next, with the Conference League worth no more than a maximum £15m if a team wins every game.
      Assuming that £450m income figure, Chelsea will not be allowed to spend more than £360m – which, given their current wage-bill, leaves just £10m to play with.
      In addition, Uefa’s FFP regulations, which will be a two year calculation next season, will only allow losses of £34m across 2023 and 2024, with calculation now done on a calendar year basis.

      It makes the prospect of Chelsea embarking on another huge summer spending spree, whoever is the manager, far less likely.
      Because the Blues regime amortised the transfer fees of the majority of their recruits over the past 18 months across up to eight seasons, they are carrying huge costs.
      Those sums still hanging over each player must be taken off the profits for any sales – so Chelsea would, for example, have to agree a deal of £38m for Marc Cucarella, £50m for injury-prone Wesley Fofana or £39m for unwanted Romelu Lukaku to avoid LOSING money of the departures.
      The “profit” point for both Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez is around £88m.
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      Prem rules are already forcing all clubs, including Chelsea, to rethink their approaches.
      But, bizarre as it sounds, getting into the Conference League might become a major nightmare – and effectively scotch their hopes of a summer of statement signings. More

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      Liverpool announce new date for Luton game after Carabao Cup final clash with Reds facing packed fixture list

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      LIVERPOOL’S Premier League clash with Luton has been moved to Wednesday 21 February.The Reds had initially been due to host the Hatters on February 24.
      Jurgen Klopp’s side are fighting on four frontsCredit: Getty
      But due to their Carabao Cup final involvement that weekend, Jurgen Klopp’s side will instead have to fit in an extra mid-week game.
      Liverpool are set for a hectic schedule during the second half of the season, as they continue to fight on four fronts.
      The Reds travel to Arsenal on Sunday looking to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
      They will then host Burnley on February 10 before facing Brentford in West London a week later.
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      Their clash with Luton will now slot in on February 21, kicking off at 7:30pm.
      Four days later Klopp will lead his team out at Wembley, possibly for the final time, as they face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.
      Another mid-week assignment will follow on February 28, with Liverpool to host the winner of the replay between Watford and Southampton in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
      Just three days later they will then travel to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
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      This period will see Liverpool have to play five times in just 15 days.
      It is then followed by a huge March that will see the Reds host Manchester City and travel to fierce rivals Everton.
      Next month they will also return to European action, having already booked their place in the round of 16 by winning their group.
      Liverpool’s next eight gamesThe Reds are entering a busy period
      February 4 – Arsenal (a) Premier League
      February 10 – Burnley (h) Premier League
      February 17 – Brentford (a) Premier League
      February 21 – Luton (h) Premier League
      February 25 – Chelsea (n) Carabao Cup
      February 28 – Watford/Southampton (h) FA Cup
      March 2 – Nottingham Forest (a) Premier League
      March 9 – Manchester City (h) Premier League More

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      Major TV change for Carabao Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea as kick-off time announced amid police fears

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      A MAJOR scheduling change has been forced on the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool amid police fears. The Wembley showpiece was due to kick off at 4.30pm on Sunday.
      A major TV change has been forced on the Carabao Cup final between Chelsea and LiverpoolCredit: PA
      But the Metropolitan Police requested that it be brought forward after the rivalling Premier League sides made it to the final.
      Cops deemed the fixture as “high risk” and requested that it gets under way no later than 3pm.
      And now their wish has been granted, with kick-off moved back 90 minutes.
      An EFL spokesperson said: “Following representations from the @metpoliceuk, the local safety advisory group has determined the 2024 @Carabao_Cup Final will now kick-off at 3pm.
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      “Having previously scheduled the usual 4.30pm kick off time with @wembleystadium and @SkySports, it is disappointing to note the change at this late stage.”
      The FA has issued a 3pm TV blackout on Saturdays since the 1960s and is set to stay for another five years.
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      But it does not apply for Sundays, meaning the Carabao Cup clash can proceed with the amended time
      The game will be broadcast by Sky Sports.
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      Chelsea booked their place in the final by overcoming a 1-0 first leg loss to Middlesbrough by winning the return tie 6-1.
      Liverpool meanwhile overcame Fulham to set up a repeat of the 2022 final, which the Reds won on penalties.
      Liverpool won the Carabao Cup in 2022Credit: Marc Aspland – The Times More

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      Empty seats spotted at Fulham as fans boycott FA Cup clash against Newcastle

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      EMPTY seats were spotted at Craven Cottage as fans boycotted their FA Cup clash with Newcastle over ticket prices.The cheapest adult ticket for Saturday’s 7pm kickoff was priced at £40, which was also the case for Wednesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi-final defeat against Liverpool.
      Pockets of empty seats were spotted inside the stadiumCredit: Reuters
      Corners of the stadium seemed particularly emptyCredit: ITV
      There was still a significant number of fans in the groundCredit: ITV
      Fulham fans posted screen grabs yesterday showing that many seats had failed to sell
      Ahead of the Cottagers’ 2-0 defeat, the Fulham Supporters Trust wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter): “We are disappointed with some aspects of the pricing for our FA Cup game v Newcastle, not least no guaranteed window for season ticket holders.
      “After encouraging changes to ticketing arrangements for our cup game v Liverpool, this is a step back. #AffordableFulham.”
      While the Trust itself has not called for a boycott of the game, many fans announced their intention to boycott before kick off under the #AffordableFulham hashtag.
      And it would appear plenty of fans followed through with a number of empty seats dotted around the ground.
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      Despite a selection of empty pockets there is little to suggest that the stadium is half full as some fans had suggested online.
      Fulham announced the official attendance as 18,960.
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      One fan tweeted: “My estimation is that less than 50% of seats have been sold for Saturday evening. Stay strong Fulham supporters as this will send a clear message to those who believe they run OUR club. #boycottFulham #affordableFulham.”
      Another wrote about the boycott: “A powerful reminder that our fans are frustrated by the lack of reciprocal loyalty shown by the Club in some key pricing decisions, particularly towards season ticket holders.
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      “It’ll be difficult, but I’m staying away on Saturday, because we deserve a better deal. #AffordableFulham.”
      While Fulham have said that they are satisfied with the number of tickets sold for the game, they declined to comment on the suggestion of a boycott.
      The Newcastle United Supporters Club also took to X to announce their solidarity with Fulham’s suggested boycott, writing: “Fair play to the Fulham fans making a stand tonight.
      “We fully support @FulhamSuppTrust and the #AffordableFulham campaign. £40 for a Saturday night game on TV is crazy and takes advantage of supporters.” More

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      How Chelsea lined up against Liverpool in 2022 Carabao Cup final with just TWO of starting XI still at club

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      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

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      Ben Chilwell reveals candid shower conversation with Thiago Silva as Chelsea star vows to end Blues’ Wembley hoodoo

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      BEN CHILWELL says Chelsea have “unfinished business” at Wembley after losing FIVE domestic cup finals in a row.Chilwell skippered Mauricio Pochettino’s side to a Carabao Cup semi-final thrashing of Middlesbrough on Tuesday to book a place in the February 25 showpiece.
      Ben Chilwell opened up about Chelsea’s poor record at Wembley after losing five domestic cup finals in a rowCredit: Alamy
      Chillwell told Thiago Silva the Blues have ‘unfinished business’ at WembleyCredit: Rex

      But the England left-back is adamant his club “demands trophies” and they must end their Wembley hoodoo after three straight FA Cup final losses between 2020 and 2022 and two League Cup defeats in 2019 and 2022.
      Chilwell said: “It’s three finals we’ve lost since I’ve been at the club, so 100 per cent there is unfinished business.
      “I was talking to Thiago Silva in the shower (after the semi-final) and saying how we’ve got unfinished business at Wembley.
      “We’ve both been there three times and lost three times, so, for sure, we want to go and win.”
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      Chilwell only played in one of those finals, against his former club Leicester in the 2021 FA Cup final.
      Despite winning the Champions League that same year, Chelsea’s record at Wembley is dismal.
      They suffered penalty shoot-out defeats against Liverpool in both major finals in 2022.
      Chilwell, who made his first start for three months in the 6-1 second-leg trouncing of Boro, added: “We need to make sure that we really enjoy the experience and soak it in.
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      “There’s only a few of us who have won a trophy at Chelsea and it’s a club that demands trophies, so we need to make sure we win.”
      Boss Pochettino might have a £1billion squad at his disposal but the Chelsea manager’s route to Wembley has been rocky.
      A demanding set of fans, an inexperienced bunch of players and long-term injuries to senior pros have hampered his efforts.
      Poch has a proud history of developing young English talent but they say ‘you don’t win anything with kids’ as the Argentine aims to lift his first trophy in English football with a youthful squad.
      At 27, and with a Chelsea career ravaged by injuries, Chilwell finds himself as one of Pochettino’s few senior players.
      Appointed vice-captain behind fellow full-back Reece James — another frequent injury absentee — Chilwell has revealed some of the new boys have struggled to cope with the demands of playing at a club which hoovered up trophies in the Roman Abramovich era.
      But Pochettino ensured Chilwell was kept busy in a leadership role during his lay-off with a hamstring injury.
      Chilwell said: “I had a conversation with the manager a few days after I got injured and said ‘now I can’t help on the pitch, how do you want me to help away from it?’
      “It was that leadership role, making sure that I’m helping the young boys. Because, for a few of them it’s a big step to come to Chelsea and play in front of demanding fans that want us to win because they are so used to that.”
      While their away form has been poor, with five defeats in six on the road, Stamford Bridge is becoming a fortress again — with Aston Villa the visitors in the FA Cup fourth round tomorrow.
      Chilwell said: “We’re fighting for two domestic cups. We’re not happy getting to one final, we want to get to the FA Cup final as well.
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      “It’s eight wins out of nine at the Bridge, so it’s really becoming a good place for us to play and we’re really enjoying playing here.
      “The connection between the fans and the players is starting to come back. I’m buzzing to be back. I love playing here, the fans are always so good to me.” More

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      Cole Palmer & Raheem Sterling enter Dream Team’s top eight midfielders after Middlesbrough massacre

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      HAVING lost 1-0 to Middlesbrough at the Riverside in their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, Chelsea registered a comfortable 6-1 win over the Championship side at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night to get the job done.The Blues ultimately booked their place at Wembley in fine style and while Boro’s late consolation goal wiped out their clean sheet, many Dream Team managers were satisfied thanks to Cole Palmer’s (£3.9m) latest exhibition.

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      ‘Cold Palmer’ more like…Credit: Dream Team
      The 21-year-old bagged a brace to add another 16 points to the eight he earned against Fulham two weekends ago to return 24 points in total for Gameweek 20.
      Palmer was a widely-selected captain among gaffers in the absence of Erling Haaland (£7.9m) and Mohamed Salah (£6.7m) and he certainly justified his popularity with three goals across his two fixtures.
      At the time of writing, he’s comfortably the top performer of the Gameweek although Darwin Nunez (£4.2m) and/or Diogo Jota (£3.9m) may yet usurp him this evening.
      The former Manchester City starlet has become an essential player for Mauricio Pochettino’s side in rapid time.
      Whether playing from the right, as a No10, or as centre-forward, Palmer has shouldered the responsibility of scoring the goals – helped by him jumping the queue to become first-choice penalty taker.
      He’s now scored 11 goals in all competitions on top of nine assists.
      His combined tally of 20 goal involvements is only bettered by Bukayo Saka (£5.9m) among assets in his position.
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      Chelsea eased past Middlesbrough at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      Naturally, a 24-point haul has catapulted Palmer up the rankings so that he’s now level with Anthony Gordon (£3.8m) in joint-fifth among midfielders on 161 points, just one point off James Ward-Prowse (£3.9m) in fourth.
      And he’s got a team-mate for company at the top end of the rankings.
      Raheem Sterling (£3.9m) didn’t exploit Boro’s frailty to the full extent but he did notch seven points when all was said and done, taking his Gameweek haul to 11.
      The England international has 149 points in total, putting him eighth in his position, though he’s just one point away from catching Pascal Gross (£4.2m) in seventh.
      As long as Chelsea remain closer to mid-table obscurity than the Champions League places they will be viewed as under-achievers but there’s no denying results have picked up of late.
      They’ve won five of their last six games in all competitions and are now just one point off Manchester United (8th) and Brighton (7th) in the Premier League table – not to mention they’re one game away from silverware in the Carabao Cup.
      Sterling is quietly enjoying a productive Dream Team campaignCredit: Getty
      Dream Team bosses don’t even need to give Chelsea’s overall form all that much thought, Palmer and Sterling’s returns are all that really matters.
      The former is the fourth-most popular asset in his position with an ownership of 21.6% while the latter is tenth on 13.6%.
      However, a quick look at the fixtures suggests doubling up on Chelsea’s star midfielders might be overkill.
      Gameweek 21 features a difficult double header in the form of Aston Villa (FA Cup) and Liverpool (Premier League).

      Subsequent fixtures against Wolves and Crystal Palace may yield healthy returns but Pochettino’s men then finish February with a trip to Manchester City and what is likely to be another meeting with Liverpool at Wembley.
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      No gaffer should be thinking of ditching Palmer any time soon but Sterling’s backers should probably be more flexible.
      Retaining the 29-year-old is perfectly reasonable but given he’s the exact same price as Palmer right now, it’s an easy switch on paper to the superior option.

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      Raheem Sterling semi-final goal CURSE remains as Chelsea star fails to get on the scoresheet in 6-1 Middlesbrough win

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      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