Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick says he is ‘proud’ of his team’s surprise 1-0 victory over Premier League side Chelsea in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Middlesbrough Vs. Chelsea: Carabao Match Report
Heading into the game as strong favourites, Chelsea dominated early proceedings with the in-form Cole Palmer breaking clear of the Middlesbrough defence only to drag the ball wide of the on-rushing Tom Glover’s goal. This would prove to be a bad omen for the former Manchester City forward’s evening.
Against the run of play, Middlesbrough, who won the competition back in 2004, opened the scoring through Hayden Hackney in the 37th minute after Isaiah Jones broke in behind Chelsea’s backline to set up the Boro midfielder.
Desperate to find a route back into the game, the Blues peppered Tom Glover in the Boro goal, with Cole Plamer missing two more gilt-edged chances, before Conor Gallagher saw his snapshot drift wide of the post.
Despite dominating the game with 78% possession and 11 shots to Middlesbrough’s 2, per LiveScore, Boro ended the night 1-0 winners and head into the second leg at Stamford Bridge with a slender lead.
Middlesbrough are the first lower league side to beat Chelsea across any domestic cup competition since Bradford won 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in January 2015.
The Blues' 28-game streak is over. ❌ pic.twitter.com/MKwR4Waqa2
— Squawka (@Squawka) January 9, 2024
What Did Michael Carrick Say About Middlesbrough’s Victory Over Chelsea?
Speaking to the media, Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick was visibly beaming following his side’s victory over Chelsea, saying: ‘This is as proud as I’ve been. I know what the players have put in, how close a group they are, seeing this stadium supporting the lads right to the end, it made me hugely proud.”
“It was a really good night, hopefully we can create some more of them in the future. The boys were immense. They were disciplined, tactically smart and showed some real quality and composure to play. Everyone, literally, had to perform and absolutely empty the tank.”
“(It’s only half-time) but the players should still celebrate and applaud their effort. They’ve got to embrace it now. I keep saying, the next leg is a totally different one, a new challenge. We are ready for it, looking forward to it, and will embrace the challenge.”
Middlesbrough head to Stamford Bridge on January 23, where they will be hoping to reach February’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
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