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      Chelsea 6-1 (agg 6-2) Middlesbrough LIVE RESULT: Palmer’s double fires rampant Blues to Carabao Cup final

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      CHELSEA have made it to their first major final under Mauricio Pochettino – and they have done it in style.The Blues needed to stage a comeback after losing to Middlesbrough 1-0 in the first leg.
      And Cole Palmer, Axel Disasi, Enzo Fernandez, Noni Madueke and an own goal Jonny Howson have booked the Blues a Wembley spot.

      RESULT: Chelsea 6-1 (6-2 agg) Middlesbrough
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event
      Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Disasi, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Broja
      Middlesbrough XI: Glover, Van den Berg, Barlaser, Clarker, Fry, Hackney, Rogers, Howson, Forss, Crooks, Engel

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      Follow ALL the action from Stamford Bridge with our live blog below…
      Palmer continues to shine in West London
      Cole Palmer was awarded the man of the match award this evening.
      He has been the shining light of what has been quite a gloomy season for The Blues so far.
      They will need their young attacker to continue his form in order for them to achieve any of their targets for the campaign.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea with testing run ahead
      Mauricio Pochettino will know a lot more about his team after the next five games.
      The Blues will face three of the top four teams in the Premier League.
      Looking to move their way up the table, it offers the chance to make a real statement of where they are under their new manager.

      Copy linkCopiedEnzo puts in solid performance for Poch’s Blues
      Enzo Fernandez put in one of his better shifts for Chelsea this evening, taking advantage of the space he was finding in the middle of the park.
      From the first few attacks, Howson struggled to track his runs and the Argentine took full advantage, getting on the scoresheet in the process.
      Blues’ fans will be hoping to see this more against better quality opposition also.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Chelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough
      This will bring the feel good factor back to Stamford Bridge temporarily.
      You can only beat the side put in front of you but this result certainly does not mean Chelsea turning a corner under their new manager.
      They have plenty of work to do in the Premier League to get anywhere near where these fans are used to seeing their team compete.
      Copy linkCopiedFT: Chelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough
      Mauricio Pochettino is all smiles, congratulating his players.
      It has been an easy day at the office for Chelsea.
      Middlesbrough were the architects of their own downfall, making costly mistakes in dangerous areas of the pitch.

      Copy linkCopiedFT: Chelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      Putting Michael Carrick out of his misery.
      Chelsea advance to the final of the Carabao Cup.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough
      90+2. Chelsea are happy to pass the ball around to see this game out now.
      It has been a dominant performance but in terms of quality between the two sides, an absolute mismatch.
      Kudos to Middlesbrough for getting this far but they have been truly outclassed.
      Credit: Getty
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough
      90. The Boro fans really enjoyed that goal from Rogers.
      After a long trip down from the North East, they at least have something to shout about in the final moments of the game.
      We are going to have three minutes added.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough
      88. Finally the away fans have something to celebrate.
      The ball is played up to Rogers and as he ambles forward there is really nothing on for him.
      He cuts onto his right foot, outside of the box, and bends one into the far corner with Petrovic nowhere near it.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Morgan Rogers (Middlesbrough)
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 6-0 Middlesbrough
      86. Raheem Sterling comes off for Leo Castledine.
      For those who have not seen him before, he is wearing an alice band despite having hair that is now longer than two inches in length.
      Interesting fashion move.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 6-0 Middlesbrough
      84. Again Middlesbrough are defending like a comedy sketch.
      As they look to clear the ball, it is struck against his own player and almost flies into the back of the net.
      This has been a car crash from Michael Carrick’s team.
      Credit: AP
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 6-0 Middlesbrough
      82. The visitors give the ball away again in a dangerous area.
      Madueke picks it up and drives into the box, before cutting onto his favoured left-foot.
      He looks to put it in the far corner before the defender on the line volleys it into the opposite top corner.
      Middlesbrough come forward and finally get the ball in the back of the Chelsea net but it is ruled out for offside.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Noni Madueke (Chelsea)
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 Middlesbrough
      80. There is a sombre look on the face of Michael Carrick.
      It is not a case that his side have been played off the park tonight, they have just made some very simple errors which Chelsea have punished.
      He just hopes that no more goals follow now.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 5-0 Middlesbrough
      78. Gallagher does well getting to the byline and cutting it back to Palmer.
      He opens his body up and hits a right-footed shot, first time, into the far corner of the goal.
      Brilliant finish by the youngster.
      Copy linkCopiedGoal – Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 Middlesbrough
      76. Chelsea will take some confidence from this game.
      It will be a completely different proposition when they face Aston Villa on Friday however.
      That will be more of a gauge of where Pochettino’s side are.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 Middlesbrough
      74. Palmer looks to close down the keeper.
      He passes it to the defender with his back to the advancing Sterling.
      As he slides in to try and dispossess him, it deflects behind for a corner.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 Middlesbrough
      72. Caicedo comes off for Chukwuemeka.
      Pochettino with the chance to rest a few players now.
      In all fairness, he could have done that after the third goal.
      Credit: AFP
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 Middlesbrough
      70. Fernandez plays the ball to Palmer outside the box.
      He plays a sublime scooped pass into the box to find Disasi.
      The Chelsea defender tries to have a strike at goal, with all the time in the world and has a complete air-shot.
      Howson comes off for O’Brien for Middlesbrough.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 Middlesbrough
      68. Gilchrist has acres of space to run into.
      He lays the ball off to Madueke who has no way through so passes it all the way back to the defence.
      Chelsea seem to be going through the motions now, just trying to play keep-ball.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 Middlesbrough
      66. Pochettino also brings on Gallagher for Broja.
      It means we will see Cole Palmer playing up front now.
      To be fair, they could have got somebody out of the crowd and they couldn’t have played any worse than Broja.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 Middlesbrough
      64. Van Den Berg is penaliised for a foul on Sterling.
      To add insult to injury, he is also shown a yellow card for his troubles.
      Alfie Gilchrist comes on for Ben Chilwell.
      Copy linkCopiedChelsea 4-0 Middlesbrough
      62. The ball is played up to Broja but he loses possession.
      He really is a terrible player.
      Chelsea would be better off with Drogba up front and he is 45-years-old now.
      Credit: Getty
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      Chelsea 6 Middlesbrough 1 (agg 6-2): Rampant Blues run riot to book place in second Carabao Cup final in three years

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      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

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      I relegated Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, it was the most scared I’ve ever been at a football match

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      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.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      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

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      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham – Carabao Cup semi-final LIVE RESULT: Gakpo’s strike sets up tasty second leg at Craven Cottage

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      LIVERPOOL have pipped Fulham to a marginal victory in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final – but it is far from a foregone conclusion.Willian’s low-driven strike had initially put the visitors in front.
      But Curtis Jones’ deflected strike followed by Cody Gakpo’s effort has made it an interesting spectacle in the return leg

      RESULT: Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
      Liverpool XI: Kelleher, Gomez, Van Dijk, Konate, Diaz, Mac Allister, Jones, Elliott, Jota, Gravenberch, Bradley.
      Fulham XI: Leno, Castagne, Tosin, Diop, Robinson, Palhinha, De Cordova-Reid, Andreas, Willian, Jimenez.

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      Klopp’s Reds with some breathing space
      Liverpool do not play again for 11 days, giving the German manager chance to let his players rest.
      They will be working hard to get some of their injured players back to full fitness also.
      The Reds’ next league game is on January 21 away to Bournemouth.
      Klopp’s side will play the second leg of this Carabao Cup semi-final on January 24 at Craven Cottage.
      Ally Mac making sweet music
      Alexis Mac Allister came back into the team today and was integral with Liverpool’s win.
      With Dominik Szoboszlai missing, the Argentinian tried to link the defence and attack.
      Mac Allister has shown the Anfield faithful just how much he has to offer to this midfield today.

      Young gun proves his worth
      Conor Bradley probably did not expect to get many chances at right back this season, given that Trent Alexander Arnold is his competition.
      When called upon today, the young full back put in a brilliant performance, getting forward as often as possible.
      In addition to this, he had to deal with the experienced Willian down the left also.
      The boss seemed pleased at full time with Bradley.

      View from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence
      You can see why Jurgen Klopp likes Darwen Nunez – for starters the Uruguyan also has that slightly demonic glint in his eye.
      Nunez may not exactly be an Erling Halland when it comes to finishing but he has a certain energy that his team mates feed off.
      Just like here in what could have been a bad night for his manager.
      He didn’t score (again) but once he arrived on the scene the big striker lit a fire that burned through Fulham’s resistance.
      The Cottagers head home still with hope for a second leg fightback, but by the end they were intent only on damage limitation after Nunez stole centre stage.
      FT: Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      It was a much-improved performance from Liverpool in the second half after a drab start to the game.
      Having only registered a single shot on target, they added another six after the interval.
      More importantly, the broke down the stubborn resistance from The Cottagers.

      FT: Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      The referee brings the game to a close.
      Liverpool take a slender lead to Craven Cottage.
      Having been a goal down for so long, the fans will take this.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      90+4. Robinson checks inside Bradley and is brought to ground.
      Chance for Fulham to look for a late equaliser.
      Wilson looks to whip it in but it is easily cleared.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      90+2. Liverpool are patiently building play.
      Trying to find a way to breakdown this Fulham defence one more time.
      The visitors have everyone bar Jimenez behind the ball now.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      90. Bradley puts a brilliant cross into the box.
      Nunez meets it and half the ground thinks he has scored but Leno makes a fantastic save with his feet.
      That could prove to be an important stop in the context of this tie from the Fulham keeper.
      We are going to have an additional four minutes.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      88. Fulham are not offering anything in terms of an attacking threat currently.
      They have everyone behind the ball when Liverpool are in possession.
      Lukic is shown a yellow card for a challenge on Darwin Nunez.
      Credit: Getty
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      86. Jones seems to be struggling for Liverpool, having picked up a knock.
      Nunez is stretching the Fulham defensive line constantly.
      The visitors will be focussed on not conceding another goal before the full times whistle now.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      84. Gakpo comes forward and feigns a shot, to see the defender go sliding past him.
      He feeds it into the path of Nunez, who fires a shot off at goal.
      Albeit from a tight angle, he forces another instinctive save from Leno.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      82. Fulham would have probably taken this scoreline before the game.
      Silva will not be happy given the position they got themselves into but rarely is the manager in a positive mood.
      Lukic comes on for Reed for the visitors.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      80. A cross is whipped in and Nunez heads it towards goal.
      Leno is forced to tip it over the bar with an elaborate save.
      The corner is not dealt with and Diaz picks it up but his attempted cross is blocked and Fulham bring it clear.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      78. Nunez does well to hold the ball up.
      Bradley comes steaming forward once again.
      Gakpo plays it back to the Uruguayan and he looks to drill it across goal from the byline.
      Fulham manage to hack the ball clear.
      Credit: Reuters
      View from SunSport’s Ken Lawrence
      Jurgen Klopp’s No 2 Pep Lijnders always seems like he is trying to give an extra dimension to the meaning of positivity when his master is not using his voice.
      He declared that while magic Mo is away with Egypt and Alexander-Arnold is recovering from a knee injury “no one is irreplaceable”.
      Yet the Kop were wishing the duo were  very much in their places for Salah was not around to frighten the Fulham defence, while frantic Liverpool were so badly missing the passing, prompting and presence of TAA.
      Nunez, as expected, appears, along with Cody Gakpo in exchange for Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch.
      The dynamic, slowly but surely, starts to change and Curtis Jones produces the one example of pure quality so far with a brilliant strike from distance.
      Suddenly Kop gears are clicking, Gakpo coming up with the sweetest of finishes as sweet music now cascades around the ground – well most of it, anyway.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      76. Liverpool look hungry for more goals here.
      Fulham looked in control until Jones’ deflected effort.
      Now they look capable of scoring every time they come forward.
      Say what you like about Nunez’s finishing but he makes things happen when he is on the pitch for The Reds.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      74. Wilson and Cairney come on for the visitors.
      They replace Willian and Pereira.
      Bradley plays a neat one-two and wins a free kick on the edge of the box as De Cordova-Reid brings him down.
      Liverpool 2-1 Fulham
      72. Jota holds the ball up before slotting it to Nunez.
      He spots Gakpo and cuts it back from the byline to him.
      The Dutch youngster sweeps the ball home to turn this game on its head.
      Goal – Cody Gakpo (Liverpool)
      Liverpool 1-1 Fulham
      70. The ball breaks to Jones outside the box who tries his luck.
      Tosin turns his back on the shot and it deflects off his back and loops up over Leno and into the goal.
      Anfield erupts as they finally get the goal they have been craving.
      Credit: AFP
      Goal – Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
      Liverpool 0-1 Fulham
      68. As the free kick comes in Robinson tries to head clear.
      He misses the ball with head completely and it strikes his arm.
      The Liverpool players and fans call for a penalty but the referee is not interested at all.
      Had VAR been in play, I think they would have been asking the referee to go to the monitor there.
      Liverpool 0-1 Fulham
      66. Bradley is scythed down by Palhinha on the edge of the box.
      The Liverpool youngster is having a good game today.
      Big chance for The Reds to make the visitors pay now.
      Liverpool 0-1 Fulham
      64. Jones runs towards the penalty area but Palhinha puts in a perfectly-timed challenge.
      Diaz picks up the loose ball but is hacked down by De Cordova-Reid.
      The Fulham player is shown a yellow card for the challenge. More

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      Liverpool 2 Fulham 1: Jones and Gakpo give Reds slender Carabao Cup semi-final lead after major scare against Cottagers

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      MARCO SILVA and his Fulham team could have left Anfield with two famous wins in the space of five weeks.Instead, they were merely the latest in a long, long of teams to have self-destructed in front of the Kop.
      Cody Gakpo came off the bench to score and turn the Carabao Cup semi-final on its headCredit: Getty
      His smart near-post finish came three minutes after Curtis Jones levelledCredit: Getty

      After chucking away a 3-2 lead at Liverpool in the Premier League last month by conceding two goals in 80 seconds at the end, Fulham were at it again tonight.
      Yet on this occasion, they could have blown their chances of reaching the final of the Carabao Cup.
      But in many respects, this was even more painful as Fulham made life hard for themselves at a time they were defending so impressively and looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
      Yet leading through a goal from Willian, they conceded two goals in the space of 102 seconds with Curtis Jones levelling with a shot which took a huge deflection off Tosin Adarabioyo.
      READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWS
      And then with the Kop sensing another recovery, Darwin Nunez set up fellow sub Cody Gakpo to score a second.
      Before the two goals, manager Silva looked bloody furious when, at 1-0, Bobby Decordova-Reid should have squared to give Andreas Pereira an easy tap-in.
      Instead, Decordova-Reid’s shot was saved and Liverpool – playing with four strikers after their subs – made the most of some poor decision-making by the visitors.
      Not all is lost for the West London side, obviously.
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      And at least they did not concede any more goals as Liverpool seemed to be in the mood to score a few more.
      An unlikely final between Fulham and Middlesbrough is a possibility and it would be one in the eye for those who incorrectly believe all cup finals should involve so-called big teams.
      However, you would have to say that a Chelsea vs Liverpool final looks the most likely outcome despite the inconsistency shown by Mauricio Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge side.
      So, Jurgen Klopp will have been happy, particularly considering his huge injury list.
      Yet to be without ten players would hurt any manager with even the biggest of squads and Liverpool’s absentees included both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah.
      While it was the German coach’s choice, the decision to rest keeper Alisson meant Liverpool were effectively without an entire team.
      Curtis Jones’ deflected strike drew Liverpool levelCredit: Rex

      Even so, it seemed business as usual as Liverpool caused Fulham a few early problems.
      Curtis Jones delivered a tame shot after some sloppy defending by Tosin while Diogo Jota’s shot flashed across the goal.
      Yet Fulham, attacking towards the Kop, silenced the home crowd by scoring with their first proper attack.
      Under pressure from Raul Jimenez, Virgil van Dijk delivered a weak header on the edge of his box, Pereira cut the ball back to Willian but he still had a hell of a lot of work to do.
      Yet Willian skipped past young right-back Conor Bradley, danced around Ibrahima Konate and then squeezed a shot through the legs of Van Dijk and past Caoimhin Kelleher.
      Rather than stinging Liverpool into action, the goal actually helped Fulham gain some sort of control over the game and they looked far more solid once they had gone ahead.
      Willian tucked in at the near post after Virgil van Dijk’s errorCredit: Rex

      Van Dik ended up getting a caution for putting his palm in the face of Pereira when you would have liked the Fulham midfielder to get some sort of punishment for shamefully throwing himself to the floor and then claiming he needed treatment.
      Joe Gomez dragged a shot wide at the end of the first half, and Ryan Gravenberch did the same at the beginning of the second period.
      Yet Fulham still attacked and manager Silva was clearly livid with Decordova-Reid for shooting rather than refusing to square for Pereira. This was the game-changing moment.
      Visiting keeper Bernd Leno had barely had a save to make apart from a cross-shot from Alexis Mac Allister.
      But in their next attack, inspired by some hard work by Jota, Jones’ shot from outside the area took that deflection off Tosin who was guilty of turning his back on the shot.
      And seconds later, Nunez – who made a big difference when coming on – picked out Gakpo to grab the second.
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      While this result will hurt Fulham, it could have been worse as Liverpool missed some late chances.
      And Silva’s team still have a chance – however unlikely at this point – of winning the club their first major trophy.
      Jurgen Klopp showed his passion on the sidelinesCredit: Reuters
      Bernd Leno denied Darwin Nunez from making it 3-1Credit: Reuters
      Fulham are still in the tie taking it back to West LondonCredit: Rex More

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      Major TV channel appears to call for huge Carabao Cup change to be brought forward… in order to knock Chelsea out

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      BEINSPORTS’ social media account suggested that they’d love this season’s Carabao Cup semi-finals to have been one-legged… in order to dump Chelsea out.The Blues slumped to a dismal 1-0 defeat at Championship Middlesbrough last night.
      Chelsea endured a night to forget against MiddlesbroughCredit: Getty
      Boro will take a 1-0 lead to Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
      The two sides will reconvene at Stamford Bridge later this month, with Chelsea having the opportunity to turn the tie around.
      From next season, two-legged semi-finals are set to be scrapped for the first time in the competition’s 63-year history.
      The change could see League Cup semi-finals played at neutral venues moving forward.
      After Chelsea’s defeat, beINSPORTS appeared to suggest that it would have been great to introduce the change this year… so that the Blues would be out.
      READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
      The Qatari broadcaster wrote on social media: “Chelsea are so lucky this is the last year of two-legged semi-finals in the Carabao Cup…
      “This is exactly why moving to one leg is the RIGHT move!”
      After the match, Mauricio Pochettino was understandably delighted that his side will have another crack at Boro.
      The Argentine, 51, said: “Today, the approach was good.
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      “We can’t say anything about the attitude but we made mistakes in the first half and gave chances for them to score.
      “They were aggressive and played on the transition. It was hard to break down this block.
      “We had too many chances to score and that’s football.
      “It’s only the first half of the tie and we have another 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge so we have to be positive.
      “We made some mistakes and we were punished for that. We have to keep pushing as if we assess the performance, overall we were the better side, created clear chances.
      “We weren’t clinical and that’s happened a lot in the six months across many games.
      “We have 15 days [before the second leg] so we can recover some players. We’re now thinking about Fulham and we will move on.”
      Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s struggles continued against BoroCredit: Rex More

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      Baffled fans ask ‘what is he doing’ after spotting ‘overhyped’ Caicedo’s actions in build-up to Middlesbrough goal

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      FOOTIE fans were left baffled by Moises Caicedo’s actions in the build-up to Middlesbrough’s winner against Chelsea.The Premier League big boys suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Championship Boro in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie.
      Hayden Hackney scored the winner in Middlesbrough’s Carabao Cup semi-final clash with ChelseaCredit: GETTY
      Hackney breezed past Moises Caideco in the build-up to the goalCredit: GETTY
      Replays showed Caicedo stopped tracking Hackney and put his hands behind his back before the goal went inCredit: Rex
      Caicedo just let his man get away

      A second-half strike from Hayden Hackney sent the Riverside into a state of pandemonium and saw Michael Carrick’s troops put one foot in next month’s Wembley final.
      Hackney strolled into the box unchallenged and cooly slotted the ball past Djordje Petrovic.
      And replays showed that Caicedo was to blame for the midfielder’s free run at goal.
      The Blues’ club-record signing failed to bust a gut as Boro broke away and made little effort to close the distance between himself and Hackney.
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      And to make matters worse, he stopped shortly after getting into the box and put his hands behind his back before Hackney fired home.
      Blues fans couldn’t believe their eyes after seeing the Ecuador international’s lack of effort, with one saying: “What is Caicedo doing?
      “Just stops following his runner and puts his hands behind his back.”
      Another said: “Bruh gave up real quick.”
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      And another said: “Nahhhh WTF is this about.”
      One remarked: “Caicedo is generally way overhyped.
      “He always takes long breaks in each game walking around and not positioning himself to receive passes.
      “Second time in three games he cost a goal as well because he doesn’t track back.”
      One furious member of the Stamford Bridge faithful said: “How does this player cost that amount of money?
      “He runs around like he’s got cement blocks in his shoes, heavy legs. Overrated player.”
      Chelsea will bid to exact revenge on Boro and reach the first major final of the season in the return leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday week.
      Middlesbrough have one foot in the Carabao Cup finalCredit: REX More

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      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea – Carabao Cup semi-final LIVE RESULT: Hackney fires Boro to iconic win at Riverside

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      CHELSEA have been STUNNED as Middlesbrough have pipped them to a marginal 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.Riverside erupted after Hayden Hackney put his side in front following a sublime team goal.
      But Michael Carrick’s men still have plenty to do for the return leg at Stamford Bridge.

      RESULT: Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      Live stream: NOW TV
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football
      Middlesbrough XI: Glover, van den Berg, Fry, Engel, Jones, Howson, Barlaser, Hackney, Bangura, Crooks, Latte Lath
      Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Thiago Silva, Colwill; Enzo, Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Sterling 
      Explainer: Who is in the other semi-final?

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      Follow ALL the action from Riverside with our live blog below…
      That’s all from the Riverside
      But, thankfully for Chelsea, it’s not the end of the tie.
      The Blues will have to be much better in the second leg at Stamford Bridge in two weeks if they are to overturn this one-goal deficit – and they will need to learn how to put the ball in the back of the net.
      Depleted Middlesbrough were excellent throughout, soaking up large spells of pressure and then punishing their Premier League visitors on the counter.
      Michael Carrick’s men are more than in this semi-final at the halfway stage, and can head into the return fixture full of belief with Wembley just 90 minutes away.
      Thanks for joining us, and goodnight.

      Poch: We made mistakes
      Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted his side’s approach was the right one tonight, but they were simply punished by some mistakes at either end of the pitch.
      The Argentine remains confident that his team will turn around the deficit during the second leg on home soil.
      The approach was good. I think we made some mistakes. I think we gave them chances to score, and then they were really tough. They played in transition with a low block. Still, we had many chances to score but we didn’t. We have another 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge and we need to be positive.Mauricio PochettinoSky Sports

      Sterling struggles with another semi
      Some of the fiercest Chelsea criticism this evening is being directed at Raheem Sterling, who struggled to make an impact against Championship opposition.
      By failing to find the net, it means that the forward’s run without scoring in a semi-final extends to 21 such matches.
      Credit: @Squawka Twitter

      Harsh throwback for upset Blues
      It’s been a quarter of a century since Chelsea last lost a League Cup game inside 90 minutes to a lower division side.
      In other words, it was pre-Abramovich.
      Credit: @SkySportsStatto Twitter
      Match stats from the Riverside
      Defeat for Chelsea who had 18 shots, 72% possession and what felt like 250 crosses that went straight out of play.

      Full time – Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      Advantage Middlesbrough!
      Hayden Hackney’s first half goal means that the Championship club will take a 1-0 lead to London for the second leg in a fortnight.
      Chelsea huffed, Chelsea puffed, but did so little that their lower-level hosts were comfortable.
      It’s a point not lost on the travelling fans either. As the home fans celebrate, the visiting section are letting their players know exactly what they think.
      Thiago Silva heads over in an attempt to appease the booing Blues, but something seems seriously amiss with the Stamford Bridge club.

      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      90+4. A final chance of the evening is headed into the side netting by substitute Alfie Gilchrist.
      It took a nick so leads to a corner, but Fry, Clark and Engel are up to the task, just as they have been all evening.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea – Jones yellow card
      90+2. Middlesbrough’s Isiah Jones is cautioned for time wasting over a throw-in on the near side.
      If we’re truly talking time wasting, then the whole Chelsea squad should go into the book.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      90. There’s a few seconds respite for Middlesbrough as Matt Crooks receives treatment after rolling his ankle.
      It’s the cue for the fourth official to hold up the board that shows there will be four minutes of additional time.
      The Riverside Stadium is as loud as it’s been tonight.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      88. The Middlesbrough defence are standing tall to everything that’s been thrown at them.
      A Clark header out. A Fry volley clear. Clark again when Chelsea return with another centre.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      86. We have a late new entry for worst cross of the evening, and it’s straight in at number one.
      Stand up, Conor Gallagher.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      85. Five minutes remain on the night, 95 to go in the tie.
      Middlesbrough lead by a single goal, and it’s all getting a little frantic as they try to protect it.
      It’s a sea of red bodies as Gallagher lines up an effort, one that is bravely blocked at close quarters.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      83. A Chelsea corner leads to some pinball inside the Middlesbrough six-yard box but before anyone in blue can pounce, Jonny Howson emerges to thump to safety.
      A captain’s contribution.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      81. And it almost does!
      Broja comes left to finally involve himself, and then offers a directness that has been lacking from Chelsea tonight.
      The Albanian cuts back inside and then out again before sending a cross-shot towards the far post.
      It evades the outstretched arm of Glover – but also the outstretched leg of Sterling.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      79. Armando Broja has only touched the ball five times since coming on – and still looks a bigger threat than Mudryk.
      If only Chelsea could get the ball to him, then something may happen.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      77. The home fans raise the noise levels for one last push.
      The Middlesbrough supporters have put in as big a shift as their players tonight.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      75. Chelsea have had 75% of possession in the second half, but only recorded five attempts at goal.
      Thanks heavens the transfer window is open, and Todd Boehly can put all this right…
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      73. Since he came on 13 minutes ago, Mudryk has specialised in dribbling the ball straight into opponents.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      71. You know things are bad when even Thiago Silva is making mistakes.
      The Brazilian legend slips over on the wet surface as Boro launch their latest counter, and it momentarily lets Coburn through on goal.
      The youngster doesn’t have the pace to outstrip the 39-year-old, however, and Silva soon gets back to push him off the ball.
      There was the option for Coburn to slip in Crooks, but opted against it thinking his teammate was offside.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea 
      70. Bizarrely, that double Chelsea change seems to have spurred a new lease of life into Middlesbrough.
      The Blues look even more toothless than they did before.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      68. For a side that has spent so much of the second half defending, Middlesbrough love to get numbers forward when the opportunity presents itself.
      A corner follows that last counter, and shortly afterwards Barlaser takes aim with a rising blaster from 25 yards out. Over.

      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea 

      66. No, Boro still have the will and ability to attack!
      Coburn does very well to hold up play, and then brings in Crooks, who releases Jones.
      The winger drives into the penalty area and goes searching for former Rangers man Crooks at the far post.
      However, this time Jones gets his delivery wrong, sending the low centre behind his teammate.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      65. Middlesbrough have dropped very, very deep.
      As Chelsea probe forward again, the hosts have nine players back inside their own penalty area.
      Are they happy to protect their one-goal lead?
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea – Chelsea double substitution
      63. Here we go!
      The electronic board goes up and it’s the end of the night for Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke.
      Mauricio Pochettino has sent for Mykhailo Mudryk and Armando Broja.
      “What a waste of money!” rings around the Riverside Stadium. Take your pick at who that’s aimed at.
      Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
      61. Gallagher works a half-chance for himself, controlling a cross from right and acrobatically spinning in one movement while falling backwards.
      Mid-breakdance, the Chelsea captain gets a shot away that veers wide of the far post. More