The loan permission granted to Ian Maatsen by Chelsea has raised questions, especially considering the team’s dire situation in left defense due to injuries to Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell. Even though Cucurella is nearing a return, his injury history raises concerns.
The data from the first half of the season indicates that Colwill isn’t suited for the left-back position. While he excelled as a central defender on loan at Brighton last season, Chelsea’s insistence on deploying him on the left seems to hinder his progress.
At halftime, Chelsea trailed 1-0 against an enthusiastic Riverside crowd. Despite Palmer having the most opportunities for the visitors, the 21-year-old wasn’t performing at his best, missing significant chances.
Madueke had a great chance in the second half to equalize, capitalizing on a cross from Fernandez. Although Glover was close, the winger managed to head the ball.
Chelsea’s strategy in the second half revolved around getting the ball wide and crossing into the box, yet the absence of a physical presence was noticeable. The decision to keep Armando Broja on the bench seemed puzzling.
Broja was eventually brought on after an hour, while Mudryk also entered the game. Despite having possession, Chelsea couldn’t convert chances under Pocheettino’s management.
Defensively, Chelsea appeared vulnerable, highlighting the need for improvement in the second leg in two weeks’ time. The opportunity to rectify things at Stamford Bridge is fortunate for the Blues.
Chelsea faces a considerable challenge to progress to the Carabao Cup final after their loss to Middlesbrough in the first leg. The Blues’ weak defending led to Hayden Hackney giving Boro the lead in the first half, which proved to be decisive.
Mauricio Pochettino made three changes to the lineup from the previous victory over Preston North End, reintroducing Thiago Silva, Noni Madueke, and Conor Gallagher for the match at Riverside Stadium.
Playing as Chelsea’s false nine, Cole Palmer immediately got involved in the action. Madueke’s excellent work on the right side allowed Palmer to turn and shoot, narrowly missing the target.
Palmer often dropped deep into his own half to link up and retrieve the ball, creating space for players like Raheem Sterling and Madueke in central areas.
Despite his impactful off-ball movements, Palmer missed a great chance intercepted from Jonny Howson, failing to find the net and squandering Chelsea’s best opportunity in the first half.
Boro’s Hackney capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive lapse before the forty-minute mark, finishing adeptly after a delivery across the box following a shaky defending moment from Levi Colwill.
Colwill’s recent performances have been notably poor. Despite playing in an unfamiliar role for a defender, his basic defending skills have occasionally been lacking, evident in the Riverside match.
While initially caught out of position, Colwill’s attempt to tackle Isaiah Jones was insufficient, allowing the Boro player to set up Hackney for the decisive goal.
