Tribalfootball.com's tactics expert Connor Holden pulls apart Chelsea's 6-1 Carabao Cup semifinal rout of Middlesbrough and finds a surprise change of role for Enzo Fernandez the key to the comfortable victory.

Chelsea responded to their 1-0 loss against Middlesbrough a few weeks ago, coming out and putting six past them at Stamford Bridge.

Mauricio Pochettino started with a very positive side, looking to take the game to Boro early on, and we are going to take a look at some key tactical decisions that affected the game.

CHELSEA SETUP

Chelsea set up in a 4-2-3-1 from the get-go, shifting into a 3-2-4-1 at times, and even a 3-1-5-1 early in the game.

The dynamic in this game between Ben Chilwell and Enzo Fernandez was very interesting, and this is something we need to take a look at.

Cole Palmer was deployed in the central attacking midfield area, but had a lot of license to move, come deeper at times to collect the ball, and also interchange on the right with Raheem Sterling to find space for himself.

Axel Disasi was used as a right-back in this game, much like Levi Colwill who is a natural central defender who has been used at left-back this season. This is due to injuries, but also due to the nature of the back three Chelsea form in possession at times, with one fullback pushing on and providing width (Chilwell on this occasion).

Armando Broja led the line for the Blues with Nicolas Jackson (AFCON) and Christopher Nkunku (injury) unavailable.

CHILWELL AND ENZO DYNAMIC

Enzo started the game much higher up the pitch, looking like a second striker at times, which caused a bit of early confusion amongst Chelsea fans.

But it soon became apparent what Pochettino had planned, and this was due to how Middlesbrough were lined up, transitioning between a 4-4-2, into a 5-4-1 defensive block - Jonathon Howson had an interesting role in this.

His job was to transition from defensive midfield areas, and drop into the back five, becoming somewhat of a right central defender at times.

Enzo started the game right up on Howson, attaching to him all the way into that back five, before peeling off and coming back into midfield areas, which then left Howson with a decision to make.

The first image shows what happens if Howson stays in the back five, giving Chelsea an extra man in midfield areas to get on the ball, combine and work the ball towards the box.

The second image shows if Howson goes with Enzo, leaving a massive gap between the central centre-back and the right-back.

This saw Chilwell often making inverted runs into the gap left by Howson, and Chelsea found some good space in behind due to this.

Once Chilwell had pushed forward, Enzo could then replace him in those deeper left side areas to recycle the ball, and Chilwell could stay in more advanced areas to combine with Mykhaylo Mudryk and the other forwards, and be in and around the box.

This is something that suits both Enzo and Chilwell's skill sets, having Chilwell closer to the box where he can get shots off and deliver crosses into the box, and also having Enzo in deep left pockets where he can dictate play, and also play-make from deep areas.

INDIVIDUAL QUALITY AND CONFIDENCE

The quality on display in this game from certain individuals showed the gap between the two sides, with Palmer enjoying himself, and playing with confidence.

Palmer scored two goals, which were both brilliantly finished, and grew into the game combining with his teammates, putting balls into the box, and even producing intricate nutmegs against the sideline.

Chelsea pressed with intensity and confidence, sustaining pressure on Middlesbrough and not allowing any momentum to build for the opposition.

A great example of this is Disasi winning the ball back on the halfway line, being aggressive and jumping into the passing lane, before breaking forwards with pace and power to score his goal.

Enzo and Chilwell also showed some brilliant moments of quality, Chilwell making a lovely pass into Sterling for the first goal from the top of the box, and Enzo contributing to all facets of play, doing his job tactically, connecting play between the lines and even scoring a goal.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Pochettino made a very good tactical choice using Enzo and Chilwell in the way he did, and overall his team selection was spot on with what he had at his disposal.

The individual quality shone through on the day for the Blues, and now Wembley awaits against the winners of Liverpool vs Fulham. Will it be a West London derby, or a chance at revenge for Chelsea losing against Liverpool in two cup finals in the 2021/22 season?