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Match Highlights – Middlesbrough v Chelsea: Chelsea end Middlesbrough’s magic cup run with a remarkable 2-goal victory

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3 years ago

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Middlesbrough v Chelsea – Chelsea registered an impressive and a much-needed victory over Middlesbrough to book their place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup competition.

The championship side, Middlesbrough, had been enjoying a period of monumental success having triumphed over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur to progress into the FA Cup quarter-finals. However, they were unable to continue their winning ways after suffering a 0-2 defeat to Chelsea, who comfortably prised the semi-final qualification out of Boro’s grip. We look at how the events unfolded in last night’s Middlesbrough v Chelsea game.

For detailed match report, click the link here:

Chelsea were remarkably comfortable throughout the game, always in control and churning out chances after chances, one of which was proved fruitful owing to the efforts of Azpilicueta, Silva, Ziyech and Mount’s beautiful team link-up play down the right.

Mount was able to chase Ziyech’s pass as they were unattended, a freedom which Mount capitalised on by delivering a cross over to Lukaku, who tapped it home, unmarked, despite the availability of two Boro men nearby, thus breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute.

Romelu Lukaku’s opening goal against Middlesbrough

This early lead marked Chelsea’s dominant start to proceedings. Boro did well to improve since that point onwards, but they were easily dealt with by the Blues.

Despite Boro’s repeated attempts at getting back into the game, it was all but one-way traffic as Ziyech once again stepped up in the 31st minute, producing a world-class goal from long range with an arrowed shot, doubling the lead and sealing the win for the Blues.

Middlesbrough v Chelsea

Hakim Ziyech, countering with another goal, doubling Chelsea’s lead in the 31st minute

Mount was credited with assists in both the goals scored and that tally would’ve witnessed an increment had Werner’s attempt found the back of the net instead of getting blocked in the second half of the game.

Boro came out with real purpose to start the second half but the Riverside hosts ended the game without a shot on target.

Emirate’s Player of the Match: Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva, with his remarkable defensive security, ensured the opponents were kept at arm’s length, a feat that won him Emirates Player of the Match title.

Thiago Silva with some crucial clearances v Middlesbrough that won him Emirates Player of the Match title

 

The blues boss, Thomas Tuchel was also greatly impressed with players’ impressive display of quality. Talking to BBC Sport, he said;

“Just three days after a Champions League tie you have to play a completely different competition with a totally different approach, but we were focused and got a deserved win. Full credit to the team. I’m very impressed.

“We accepted the situation as we didn’t cause it. Nothing we can do can change the situation, it’s not in our hands. But what is in our hands is to stay focused and set an example as I’m sure many people who work at Chelsea not in the spotlight are more concerned than us about the situation and what will happen. For them it’s also important we take the responsibility to show the right spirit and attitude. This is very, very good”.

Tuchel had admittedly studied the Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur games that Boro managed to claim victories over, which is possibly what prompted him to abandon his usual 3-4-3 formation.

This tactical reshuffle fared Chelsea well as we all saw in last night’s delicious victory over Middlesbrough.

Chelsea now advance to the semis, having secured themselves a Wembley date, where they will look to reverse their woes. Chelsea lost to Leicester City in last year’s FA Cup final as well as to Liverpool in last month’s Carabao Cup Final, both of which were played at Wembley.

Chelsea’s Man of the Match: Mason Mount

Middlesbrough v Chelsea

Mason Mount won the man of the match award for his assists in last night’s game v Middlesbrough

Mason Mount was titled Chelsea’s man of the match. Thiago Silva claimed an Emirates Player of the Match title with his incredible display of defensive quality as he cut out some significant Boro attacks in the second half. However, Mount was well deserved too, owing to his 2 game-deciding assists.

 

 

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WATCH: Chelsea’s out-of-favour striker Romelu Lukaku scores twice in action-packed second half 🔥

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2 years ago

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May 7, 2022

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Romelu Lukaku scores twice v Wolves: Chelsea welcomed Wolverhampton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge tonight in a contest where they were hopeful of reversing their poor run of form to guarantee themselves a Champions League berth.

Despite the Blues receiving two goal scoring opportunities in the first-half of the game, it still ended in a stalemate. However, as the second-half commenced, Romelu Lukaku stepped up to strike twice in quick succession to put Chelsea on a trajectory toward what appeared to be a deserved victory at that time.

Romelu Lukaku scores twice

Lukaku’s goal tally for Chelsea this season has totalled up to 14 now, causing him to become the highest goal scorer for the Blues, just a goal ahead of Kai Havertz. His performance tonight underlines his renewed confidence as he looks to be approaching the sort of form that had deserted him for most of the season. 

Watch how Romelu Lukaku scores twice in quick succession to give Chelsea’s scoreline an uplift:

The first goal came in response to a VAR call for a foul committed by Saiss on Romelu Lukaku as both players were caught up in a tangle on the edge of the penalty area. 

Watch Lukaku’s left-footed penalty here:

The second goal was a Pulisic interception that found Lukaku who then completed the play with an emphatic low finish from the edge of the box with his weaker right foot.

Lukaku wasn’t able to register himself on the scoresheet for Chelsea ever since the start of year 2022 – a daunting prospect for such an expensive striker – however, that record has been laid to rest today as his goals v Wolves have certainly managed to make a statement of his intent.

It’s a shame that a subpar defensive performance from his side overshadowed his monumental return to form. Chelsea were stripped to bone with comeback goals from Wolves that added misery to Chelsea’s hopes of securing a victory. The game ended in an unanticipated 2-2 draw. 

After racking up underwhelming results from their recent run-ins, Chelsea are looking a lot less comfortable in the rough and tumble of Premier League’s top-four now. With the fourth-placed Arsenal and fifth-placed Tottenham breathing down Chelsea’s neck, their margin for error has now decreased to just two points, especially after having picked up only 5 points from a possible 15.

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Official: Todd Boehly’s consortium signs agreement with Chelsea FC to succeed Roman Abramovich

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2 years ago

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May 7, 2022

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Chelsea released an official statement in the early hours of Saturday morning confirming that the terms have been agreed with the LA Dodgers’ part-owner Todd Boehly’s consortium to complete the £4.25bn takeover of the club though the acquisition is yet to be approved by the Premier League authorities as well as the UK government.

Todd Boehly's consortium

The statement read:

‘Chelsea Football Club can confirm that terms have been agreed for a new ownership group, led by Todd Boehly, Clearlake Capital, Mark Walter and Hansjoerg Wyss, to acquire the Club’.

Last week, it was revealed that Todd Boehly & Co were Raine Group’s preferred choice to succeed Roman Abramovich following which the group were given one-week window of exclusive negotiations with the club to finalise the takeover. The deal had appeared in doubt due to late interest from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, however, those fears were dissipated as the Ratcliffe bid was later dismissed on account of his inability to complete the sale process by May 31st – the date when Chelsea’s current license expires.

Although the group is fronted by Todd Boehly, private equity firm Clearlake Capital is the one providing the majority of the financial firepower to it. The consortium also includes Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss, Boehly’s fellow LA Dodgers’ owner Mark Walter and the British property developer Jonathan Goldstein.

As per Chelsea’s official statement, the £4.25bn headline sum includes the £2.5bn cost required to secure shares in Chelsea – which will go into a frozen UK bank account for the purpose of releasing 100 per cent of the proceeds to charitable causes – the remaining £1.75bn is the amount the group have committed to invest in the club’s future, covering costs regarding redevelopment projects and ensuring there are sufficient funds in place for operational use.

‘The proposed new owners will commit £1.75bn in further investment for the benefit of the Club. This includes investments in Stamford Bridge, the Academy, the Women’s Team and Kingsmeadow and continued funding for the Chelsea Foundation’.

Few final, obligatory steps remain in the official transfer of ownership of Chelsea Football Club to Todd Boehly’s consortium, one of which requires all group members to complete the Premier League Owners’ and Directors’ Test. Furthermore, Chelsea will have to apply for the amended license from the UK government that would upgrade the club’s operational capacity in addition to allowing the transaction to go ahead. The preparations are underway as the Raine Group wants the sale process to reach its completion as soon as possible.

 

 

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Chelsea team news v Wolverhampton Wanderers: Four players on the injury list, including a midfield duo. 

Published

2 years ago

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May 6, 2022

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Chelsea team news v Wolverhampton Wanderers: Chelsea welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge on Saturday where they will be looking to reverse their poor run of form to guarantee themselves a Champions League berth. There are four player absentees that have been confirmed so far by head coach, Thomas Tuchel, in today’s pre-match conference.

After racking up underwhelming results from their recent run-ins, Chelsea are looking a lot less comfortable in the rough and tumble of Premier League’s top-four now. With the fourth-placed Arsenal and fifth-placed Tottenham breathing down Chelsea’s neck, their margin for error has now decreased to just three points, especially after having picked up only 4 points from a possible 12.

Chelsea team news v Wolverhampton Wanderers: The central midfield duo N’Golo Kante and Jorginho are ruled out of action for tomorrow’s clash as reported by Thomas Tuchel at a press briefing today.

Additionally, the long-term absentees Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ben Chilwell also remain restricted to the sidelines, despite returning to light training.

N’Golo Kante had sustained a knock in the game against Manchester United, consequently missing last weekend’s trip to Everton where his fellow midfielder Jorginho was taken off the pitch at interval.

‘For N’Golo it comes too early. Jorginho is out as well, these two are missing. Callum and Ben Chilwell are still out,’ said the Blues boss.

The duo’s unavailability will give way to introducing Kovačić and most likely RLC in their stead as the latter is currently enjoying an upturn in form.

Chelsea team news v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Mateo Kovačić returned to action as a half-time substitute last weekend after missing a couple games on account of nursing an ankle injury. He stands the highest chance of featuring a start in tomorrow’s game v Wolves.

There is a growing feeling that Tuchel might give Romelu Lukaku a start tomorrow, considering his substitute Kai Havertz is also struggling to find the form that has recently deserted him.

Thomas Tuchel has expressed optimism regarding Lukaku’s reaction in training this week. The Blues boss said;

‘I want him to be an important part of the squad, right now he is very important. There is no recruitment and no players are about to leave because it’s simply not possible,’

‘We need to adapt all the time, to contractual situations and also individual situations, to what we and the players want.

Chelsea team news v Wolverhampton Wanderers

‘We signed a big player, he is a big player. He didn’t come on [at Everton] as we had only three changes, and unfortunately we used one at half-time with Jorginho. Otherwise there was a huge chance we had the same changes as against West Ham, with Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech,’

‘He trained very well, maybe he starts tomorrow, we’ll see.’ 

 

 

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