After a crushing loss to Boro in the second division, Pochettino’s tenure has Һit rock bottom, and his team will have their work cut out for them in two weeks.

The 4-0 victory against Preston last Saturday was flattering for Chelsea, who failed to impress in their previous cup match against weaker opponents. However, Tuesday night’s match against Middlesbrough was even more disappointing.

Despite the Blues’ frustration with their early attempts at offense, a defensive blunder ultimately proved to be their undoing.

Isaiah Jones repelled the ill-positioned Levi Colwill in order to cut back for Hayden Hackney, taking advantage of their high line on the right side of the early doors. The Boro midfielder calmly scored, a trait severely lacking from the Blues’ starting lineup after a particularly forgettable performance by one player.

Even though Mauricio Pochettino’s team switched up their formation, Cole Palmer, who was playing in a new-look false nine role, missed three excellent first-half opportunities.

The second half prolonged Chelsea’s misery as they were unable to score despite continuing to face a stubborn Middlesbrough defense. This was just the latest example of their lack of оffensive firepower this season. We have a lot of work to do in the second leg at Stamford Bridge in two weeks, and then some.

Defensive Back: Goalie

Six points for Djordje Petrovic:

Had no control over Hackney’s objective. Not much happened other than retrieving the ball from his net.

Nostalgia (6/12):

Even though he sometimes wanders out of position, he is a constant dаnger while advancing with his crosses. The problem was that nobody was making any runs to catch them.

Five stars for Axel Disasi:

In contrast to Silva, he covered well when his teammates were off their game, but he was shaky with the ball at times.

Silva Thiago (5/10):

Though not really careless, he appeared open to Middlesbrough’s right-wing pace on multiple occasions. Might have done more to prevent Hackney from scoring.

Four out of ten stars for Levi Colwill:

A warning indication should have been a badly timed header in the first minute, but he was let go nevertheless. Misplaced for Middlesbrough’s first goal and, similar to Silva, left open to the home team’s quickness all game. Ought should be manning the center back position.

The middle of the field

José Enzo Fernandez (6 out of 10):

Attempts to break down Middlesbrough were there, but it wasn’t an inspiring performance. Hooked unfairly on Mykhailo Mudryk.

Caicedo Moises (4/10):

He was careless with the ball once again, and Hackney scored because he lost his marker too quickly. His disappointing Chelsea career persists.

Gallagher, Conor (5/10):

Played as far forward as any midfielder that night. As persistent as ever, although he never posed a serious dаnger. At the hour mark, I blew a good opportunity.

Noni Madueke (5): аttаck

Perhaps Chelsea’s most intelligent forward. Exhibited deft footwork to get into respectable areas, but was unsteady at crucial occasions. Following his weekend rejection, this is not the way to make the most of his opportunity.

Palmer Cole (4 out of 10):

An uncommon snoozer. Felt terrible about missing the target twice in a row after defensive mistakes, and on his third and final opportunity, he sent the ball just past Glover’s reach. Had to live with the guilt of his carelessness.

Rasheem Sterling (5/10):

A couple good drives that ended up at the byline, but there was never any serious dаnger there. He was fortunate that Madueke wasn’t taken away instead of him.