Liverpool will face Chelsea in the League Cup final after surviving a scare in their 1-1 draw against Fulham in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

Chelsea stormed into the League Cup final with a 6-1 thrashing of second-tier Middlesbrough to easily overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Cole Palmer fired Chelsea to a 1-0 win against west London rivals Fulham on Saturday as the inconsistent Blues bounced back from their League Cup embarrassment at Middlesbrough.

Ange Postecoglou said Timo Werner's disappointing spell with Chelsea is not a concern after Tottenham brought the Germany forward back to the Premier League.

The 21-year-old Hackney's silky finish from an Isaiah Jones pass stunned the visitors in the 37th minute at the Riverside Stadium and the hosts defended superbly to take a slender advantage to Stamford Bridge.

Mauricio Pochettino has challenged inconsistent Chelsea to use the FA Cup as a route into Europe as they prepare for Saturday's third-round tie against Preston.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank said only an "unbelievable" offer would persuade the club to consider selling England striker Ivan Toney during the January transfer window.

Champions Manchester City are ominously poised to strike in the new year despite a dip in form from last season's treble winners, while Arsenal, Aston Villa and Tottenham are also in the mix.

"Everyone is so happy, we need to enjoy the moment," said Luiz.

The Stamford Bridge sound system blared the old disco hit "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" after Chelsea's hard-fought 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday, but momentum is still sorely lacking for Mauricio Pochettino's team.

Elsewhere, Chelsea's Noni Madueke scored a late winner from the penalty spot in a 2-1 win against Crystal Palace to lift spirits at Stamford Bridge after a miserable 2023 while Wolves hammered fast-sinking Brentford 4-1.

The victory moved Wolves up to 11th, level with 10th-placed Chelsea on 22 points but trailing the London side on goal difference.

Mauricio Pochettino says he is "not crazy" for believing troubled Chelsea are heading in the right direction, insisting it is only a "matter of time" before they enjoy success.

First Chelsea Premier League goals from Enzo Fernandez and Levi Colwill earned the 10-man home side a 3-2 win over Brighton and Hove Albion at a rain-sodden Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

"We had to come here, Chelsea, to show that it's going to be difficult for them to play, to win the game and to beat us," said Pochettino

Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak netted on his return from injury, while two quick-fire second-half goals and a late Anthony Gordon strike gave the Magpies a 4-1 Premier League win over 10-man Chelsea at St James' Park on Saturday.

"I think sometimes we are frustrated. I think coaches need to be more involved in the decisions, and to work together during the season," Pochettino said

Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino was able to savour a sweet victory over Tottenham on his first return to the club since his sacking in 2019.

Mauricio Pochettino's injury-ravaged team travelled to the home of their near-neighbours just two points above the relegation zone and with only five goals to their name.

Alexander Isak scored the only goal at St. James' Park in a clash between two much-changed sides.