Chelsea fans have been left furious with Moises Caicedo’s efforts to stop Middlesbrough’s goal in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The Championship outfit beat the former European champions 1-0 in the first leg of the tie, taking the advantage into the second game in a fortnight’s time at Stamford Bridge.
Blues supporters expressed their frustrations upon the full time whistle, with Thiago Silva going over to confront the away end – though manager Mauricio Pochettino has claimed that anger was directed at the home fans.
Hayden Hackney’s goal was enough for Boro to secure the win on the night, with the 21-year-old poking in from close range after good work out wide.
Caicedo’s defending, however, left much to be desired, and supporters have vented their frustrations at the £115million man, with other football fans also questioning his actions.
Fans have been left fuming with Moises Caicedo’s attempt to prevent Middlesbrough’s goal
Caicedo failed to track Hayden Hackney (left) as the Boro man poked home the only goal of the game on Tuesday
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‘What is Caicedo doing?’ asked one fan on X, formerly Twitter, accompanied by a laughing emoji. ‘Just stops following his runner and puts his hands behind his back.
‘Can someone explain to me why Caicedo had his hands behind his back for Boro’s goal?’ added another.
Former Brighton man Caicedo could be seen sprinting back with Hackney in the build-up to the goal in the first half.
As Isaiah Jones broke forward from wing back, he was stood up by Levi Colwill. The England defender struggled to get the better of his man, and a ball was delivered into the box.
Substitute Josh Coburn was waiting in the box, marked by Axel Disasi. Instead the ball found its way to Hackney, who scored.
It seemed that Caicedo would intercept the pass, but he can be seen to stop tracking the run and stand still, hands behind his back, presumably to prevent the ball hitting them.
Former Chelsea man Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink also criticised the midfielder’s defensive efforts.
‘The finish is brilliant, is really well taken with his with his weaker food, he opens up his body and then slice it in the goalkeeper has got no chance whatsoever,’ he began. ‘But we can’t forget Caicedo.
‘Can I say, it becomes a one-on-one. And if you have determination, you don’t lose your one-on-one. It’s a simple one. And you just keep on running with your man, and you make sure that you stay with them. And until the last moment you give them a little nudge so that he cannot put the ball in. He stopped.’
Blues fans were left frustrated with their side’s performance as their miserabel season continued at Riverside
Cole Palmer missed a number of opportunities in the game, which the Blues’ will try and put right in the second leg
‘Inexcusable by Caicedo for their goal. Almost 1/4 billion for him and Enzo. Mind boggling.,’ said one disgruntled Chelsea fan.
Another viewer added: ‘Another Caicedo disasterclass on that Boro goal is it,’ while a third said: ‘[Alexis] MacAllister is so good he made people think Caicedo was a 115 million pound midfielder.’
Chelsea will get the chance to right the wrongs in two week’s time when they host the replay at Stamford Bridge.