Liam Rosenior made a winning start as Chelsea head coach with a 5-1 FA Cup victory at
Charlton Athletic, though the emphatic scoreline offered limited insight into the tougher tests
ahead.
Chelsea underlined the gulf in class between the sides, with late goals from substitutes Pedro
Neto and Enzo Fernandez capping a dominant display at The Valley.
Earlier efforts from defenders Jorrel Hato and Tosin Adarabioyo put the visitors in control before
Charlton briefly responded through Miles Leaburn. Marc Guiu quickly restored Chelsea’s two-
goal cushion before the late flourish.
Rosenior rotated heavily, leaving key players including Cole Palmer, Reece James and Malo
Gusto out of the squad, while others such as Joao Pedro and Trevoh Chalobah remained unused
as he assessed his wider options.
“I believe in this group, I believe in all of them,” Rosenior said. “If we want to have a really
strong season we need to use them. We need to put faith into them and they repaid my faith
today.”
The 40-year-old stressed the need for consistency after challenging his players to show greater
resilience and intensity. “It’s a good start, but it’s just a start. We have to stay consistent in a
very, very hectic schedule,” he added.
Chelsea now face a sterner examination, hosting Arsenal in the first leg of the League Cup semi-
final on Wednesday before welcoming in-form Brentford in the Premier League next Saturday.
Rosenior was appointed earlier this week following Enzo Maresca’s departure, with Chelsea
currently eighth after just one win in their last nine league matches.
Rosenior Begins Chelsea Reign With FA Cup Rout
