Chelsea's quality came to the fore as they outclassed a nervous-looking Middlesbrough side to book their spot in the EFL Carabao Cup final at Wembley. Jonny Howden put through his net after some brilliant play from Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling to force the opening goal.
Enzo Fernandez playing in an advanced role then finished off like a £100million midfielder to make it 2-0 and take full control of the game. Axel Disasi the defender who arrived from Monaco in the summer then showed pace, power and finesse to make it 3-0 before a defensive collapse handed Cole Palmer a chance to make it 4-0 in the first 45 minutes.
This game had the making of a slippery banana peel but Chelsea established control early on and took the wind out of the sails of the visitors, leaving them pondering how they could keep the scoreline respectable rather than thinking of rescuing the tie.
By the time captain of the day Ben Chilwell, starting his first game in 118 days left the game in the 65th minute, the game was home and dry and home fans were soaking the wind that accompanied the rain which poured down at Stamford Bridge.
Boro came here looking to defend their 1-0 lead from the first leg, but by the time Palmer scored his second, and Chelsea's fifth of the night, it's fair to say Pochettino was already thinking of his third League Cup final. The Argentinian lost both at Tottenham, but he'll hope for better fortunes on February 25 at Wembley with Chelsea.
Substitute Noni Madueke joined the party with a goal before Morgan Rogers grabbed a consolation for the visitors to make it 6-1 on the night and 6-2 on aggregate. Here is how we rated the Chelsea players out there.
1. Djordje Petrovic- 6
He was a spectator for most of the game but then made good saves when he had to.
2. Thiago Silva- 8
Used his experience and quality to calm the backline all game. What he didn't have in pace, he replaced with technique
3. Axel Disasi- 8
Strong performance again from the French defender. Looked like prime Ivanovic when he powered in to score Chelsea's third.
4. Levi Colwill- 8
Overcame a nervous start to dominate the game. Covered for Thiago and looked unbeatable mostly.