Cole Palmer misses prove costly for Chelsea in EFL Cup semi-final 😖 | OneFootball

Chelsea are aiming to reach their second EFL Cup final in three seasons against Middlesbrough but they will have to do it the hard way.

Neither side managed to produce an early first-half breakthrough at the Riverside Stadium but Cole Palmer must wonder how he did not put Mauricio Pochettino’s side ahead.

The England international seized upon a defensive error from Boro captain Jonny Howson before dragging an effort horribly wide with Tom Glover’s goal firmly at his mercy.

Palmer was soon left to rue fluffing his lines in front of goal as Hayden Hackney put the hosts ahead just six minutes after that gilt-edged chance.

Worse would follow for the former Manchester City prospect in first-half added time as he missed an open goal after Glover had fumbled a long-range attempt.

It didn’t get much better after the half-time break as both Palmer and the Londoners failed to breach Glover’s net.