‘Bordering on embarrassment’ – Chelsea overturn Carabao Cup deficit with FOUR first half goals against Middlesbrough

Chelsea have turned their Carabao Cup deficit around with remarkable ease in a four-goal crushing against Middlesbrough at half-time.

Having lost the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Middlesbrough, Chelsea could not afford any slip-ups on Tuesday night.

And they got exactly what they deserved with a four-goal blitz in the opening half at Stamford Bridge.

Jonny Howson's own goal set up the start of what will be a long night for Boro fans who have made the trip down to London on 15 minutes.

Quickfire goals from Enzo Fernandez and Axel Disasi put the Blues firmly in front on aggregate.

And before the first half was over, Cole Palmer capitalised on some shocking defending to make it four — and ultimately game over.

Speaking on talkSPORT, commentator Jim Proudfoot could not believe what he had seen.

He said live on air: «This isn't a cup exit that is just elimination, it's bordering on embarrassment with the way things have unravelled for them.

»It feels like there is a goal waiting for Chelsea every time they try."

Speaking alongside him, former Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce said: «You feel sorry for Michael Carrick at the moment, his team have found it very, very difficult in this game.»

Middlesbrough had started the match looking in fine fettle as they looked to take a shock lead in west London.

But after settling some early nerves, Chelsea took full control on the pitch and on the scoreline.

Ben Chilwell made an immediate impact on his first start in four months due to injury, winning the ball in midfield before finding Raheem Sterling's, whose cross was hit in by Howson after Armando Broja's touch.

Fernandez was then found in acres of space in the box to double the lead and put Chelsea ahead in the tie.

Di