Liam Rosenior, the newly appointed manager of Chelsea Football Club, enjoyed a dream start to his tenure with a commanding 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round on Saturday. The win at The Valley ended a five-match winless run for the Blues, providing an immediate boost for the 41-year-old coach.
Rosenior's Perfect Start at The Valley
Taking charge after Enzo Maresca's departure, Rosenior made an immediate impact with his team selection and tactics. He made eight changes to the side and took the bold decision to leave England forward Cole Palmer out of the lineup. Staying true to the principles he established at Strasbourg, Rosenior deployed a three-man defence.
The breakthrough came in first-half stoppage time when Jorrel Hato scored his first goal for Chelsea with a superb half-volley that found the top corner. Chelsea doubled their lead soon after the interval, with Tosin Adarabioyo powering home a header from a Facundo Buonanotte free-kick in the 50th minute.
Although former Chelsea academy graduate Miles Leaburn pulled one back for Charlton seven minutes later, the Blues quickly reasserted their dominance. Marc Guiu restored the two-goal cushion in the 62nd minute, before late strikes from Pedro Neto in the 91st minute and Enzo Fernandez from the penalty spot sealed an emphatic 5-1 win.
From the Stands to the Touchline
Rosenior's appointment had been met with some skepticism, with critics suggesting his connection to Chelsea's ownership group—having been hired from sister club Strasbourg—might make him a 'yes-man'. His bookish appearance on the touchline, complete with glasses and a notebook, contrasted with the volatile style of his predecessor.
However, his reputation as a bright young coach, built by guiding Strasbourg to a seventh-place finish in France last season, was bolstered by this debut performance. He had watched Chelsea's previous match, a 2-1 defeat to Fulham, from the stands before taking full control.
The Road Ahead: Arsenal Awaits
While the victory over a Championship side sitting 19th was comprehensive, Rosenior acknowledged the need to be judged over time. His first major test will come swiftly. On Wednesday, Chelsea host Premier League leaders Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final.
This match will provide a far sterner examination of Rosenior's tactics and his team's resilience. For now, the new Chelsea manager has successfully fulfilled his wish to 'hit the ground running', silencing some early doubters and giving the Blues' faithful reason for optimism.
