Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea reign begins with a 5-1 FA Cup thrashing of Charlton
Liam Rosenior has started his tenure as Chelsea manager with a resounding 5-1 win over Charlton in the FA Cup third round. The victory marks a strong start, breaking a long-standing trend of debut losses for new Blues bosses. His first test in a major competition now looms with a League Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
Rosenior took charge after Enzo Maresca’s departure following a difficult campaign. His debut saw Chelsea dominate Charlton, with goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez securing the win. This result ended a run of nine straight Chelsea managers failing to win their first game in charge.
Earlier in the 2022/23 season, Rosenior had already faced Fulham as a manager, though in a different role. Now, his immediate challenge shifts to the League Cup, where Chelsea will meet Premier League leaders Arsenal in the semi-final first leg on Wednesday.
Despite the promising start, questions remain about Rosenior’s independence. Critics suggest his close ties to Chelsea’s ownership group could influence decision-making, raising concerns about his autonomy in the role.
The 5-1 victory over Charlton gives Rosenior early momentum as Chelsea manager. His next task is navigating a tough League Cup clash with Arsenal midweek. The result will offer further insight into his tactical approach and ability to lead under pressure.