Things were looking up following three straight wins after Christmas, but a reality check like this shock defeat at Middlesbrough was always only around the corner.
Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney scored the only goal to leave Pochettino facing more questions about whether Chelsea have got any better under him.
Impressive Boro manager Michael Carrick was the real match-winner in the opposition dugout, exposing flaws in Pochettino’s gameplan.
Cole Palmer was one of two Chelsea stars played out of position, starting as a false nine, and he was wasteful in the first half. Palmer missed a one-on-one, an open goal from close range and several other big chances after starting up front ahead of Armando Broja, who was left on the bench.
Carrick also targeted Levi Colwill, who played out of position at left-back, and his mistake presented an early chance for Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Isaiah Jones then outfoxed Colwill to set up the winner. Thiago Silva failed to
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 10, 2024-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der January 10, 2024-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
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