Chelsea player ratings vs Middlesbrough: Cole Palmer can’t hit a barn door while Moises Caicedo and Levi Colwill underperform as damaging Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat marks new low for Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino’s tenure sunk to new depths as defeat to second-tier Boro’ leaves his side with work to do in two weeks

Chelsea were unconvincing in their last cup outing against lesser opposition, with the 4-0 scoreline against Preston at the weekend certainly flattering. But things were far more dismal against Middlesbrough on Tuesday night.

The Blues were frustrated going forward from the first minute, but it was a defensive error that would turn out to to be their downfall.

Their high line was exploited down the right early doors, as Isaiah Jones held off the out-of-position Levi Colwill to cut back for Hayden Hackney. The ‘Boro midfielder swept home with the composure so sorely lacking in the Blues’ frontline – as one player in particular endured a night to forget.

Deployed in a new-look false nine role, Cole Palmer squandered three huge chances in the first half, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side again lacking a cutting edge despite the switch-up in formation.

Chelsea’s frustration continued in the second half as they failed to break down a resolute Middlesbrough defence, completing yet another toothless display that has characterised so many of their games this season. Work to do, and then some, in the second leg at Stamford Bridge in a fortnight’s time.

GOAL rates Chelsea’s players from the Riverside Stadium…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Djordje Petrovic (6/10):

Could do nothing about Hackney’s goal. Had little action other than to pick the ball out of his net.

Malo Gusto (6/10):

Guilty of straying out of position on occasion but constantly a threat going forward with his crosses. Just had no one making runs to get on the end of them.

Axel Disasi (6/10):

Shaky on the ball at times but, unlike Silva, covered well to make up for his team-mates’ lapses in concentration.

Thiago Silva (5/10):

Not guilty of any huge errors but often looked vulnerable to Middlesbrough’s pace down the right. Could have worked harder to intercept Hackney’s goal.

Levi Colwill (4/10):

Let off with a poorly-timed header in the opening minute, which should have been a warning sign. Out of position for Middlesbrough’s opener and, like Silva, was vulnerable to the home side’s pace throughout. Should be playing at centre-back.

Midfield

Enzo Fernandez (6/10):

Not an inspirational performance but at least tried to break Middlesbrough down. Unfairly hooked for Mykhailo Mudryk.

Moises Caicedo (4/10):

Again sloppy with his passing and lost his marker far too easily for Hackney’s goal. His underwhelming Chelsea career continues.

Conor Gallagher (5/10):

Ended up being the furthest forward midfielder on the night. Tenacious as ever but never showed any real threat. Missed a decent chance on the hour mark.

Noni Madueke (5/10):

Probably the brightest of Chelsea’s forwards. Showcased tricky footwork to get into some decent spaces, but again lacked composure in the key moments. Not the best use of his opportunity after being snubbed at the weekend.

Cole Palmer (4/10):

A rare stinker. Missed the target horribly on two occasions following defensive errors, and put his shot too close for Glover on his third big chance. Was left to regret his wastefulness.

Raheem Sterling (5/10):

Some positive runs to the byline but again no real threat at the end of it. Probably lucky he wasn’t hauled off instead of Madueke.

Armando Broja (5/10):

Barely had a touch despite some promising runs. His cross-cum-shot late on somehow evaded Sterling.

Mykhailo Mudryk (4/10):

Had a decent chance to score from the edge of the box but fired his shot straight at Glover. A few poor touches elsewhere. Not the man to bring on when you need a goal.

Alfie Gilchrist (N/A):

Introduced on too late to make an impact.

Mauricio Pochettino (2/10):

A new low. Started the match without a recognised No.9 and it didn’t pay off, while his substitutions were surprising to say the least. Nicolas Jackson’s absence could be sorely felt this month.