Chelsea are through to the Carabao Cup final after crushing Middlesbrough 6-1 – on the night (6-2 on aggregate) in the second-leg of their semi-final. The Blues eased past Michael Carrick's side after losing the first-leg 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium a fortnight ago.
The hosts levelled the tie on 15 minutes at Stamford Bridge when Raheem Sterling's low ball across the face of goal was turned into the back of his own net by Boro captain Jonny Howson. It was quickly 2-0 to the hosts when Enzo Fernandez arrived late to smash the ball past Tom Glover.
Axel Disasi made it 3-0 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate with a great run – and finish – to sink the hearts of those in the away end. Cole Palmer, inevitably, made it four before half-time with an ice-cold finish into the bottom corner.
Palmer then made it five, four minutes before Noni Madueke, a substitute at half-time, wrapped up proceedings for Chelsea. Boro got a consolation through Morgan Rogers on 87 minutes. Below, Bobby Vincent gives his ratings.
Djordje Petrovic – Absolutely nothing to do, apart from the goal which he couldn't really do anything about. Knowing what goalkeepers are like, he will be distraught to lose his clean sheet. 6.
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Axel Disasi – Really strong run into the box for Enzo Fernandez's goal. Puts in a fine low cross as well. Loved him for his goal, too. Intercepts the ball, lays it off, makes such a good run and fires the ball past Glover. Special moment for him. 8.
Thiago Silva – Solid as always. Didn't have too much to do but a couple of brilliant slide tackles. 7.
Lev
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