New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has immediately etched his name into the club's history books, becoming the first manager in a decade to secure victory in his inaugural match.
A Decade-Long Drought Finally Ends
The milestone was achieved on Saturday evening as Rosenior's Chelsea side delivered a commanding 5-1 victory over Championship club Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round. The emphatic win at The Valley marks a significant break from a troubling pattern for the Blues, whose previous nine managerial appointments—including interim and caretaker roles—had all failed to win their first game in charge.
The last Chelsea boss to enjoy a winning start was Antonio Conte in August 2016, who masterminded a 2-1 Premier League win against West Ham United. Since then, the records of those who followed featured a mix of five draws and four defeats.
Rampant Blues Secure Comfortable Progression
Chelsea's passage to the fourth round was never in doubt after a dominant display. The scoring was opened by defender Jorrel Hato with a fantastic finish, before further goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez sealed a comprehensive thrashing of the Addicks.
Speaking after the final whistle, a delighted Rosenior was quick to praise his squad's application. "I was very happy with the attitude of the team, even in the first-half," he stated. "This is not an easy place to come, third round of the FA Cup. I felt our press was very intense and really good."
Rosenior's Positive First Impressions
The new manager highlighted the contributions of his attacking players, singling out Marc Guiu as "magnificent" and deserving of his goal, while also commending the efforts of Ale Garnacho and Jamie Gittens. "A lot of real positives and a good start," Rosenior summarised, clearly pleased with the togetherness and spirit shown by the group.
He emphasised that his initial focus has been on the basics rather than complex tactics. "I challenged the players on our reactions to setbacks, our intensity... I was very happy with the intensity they ran at, winning duels, winning headers, all the basics. And that's where you get your joy from."
What Comes Next for Chelsea?
The celebration will be brief, as Chelsea's attention now sharply turns to a crucial cup double-header. First, they face a Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg showdown against London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday night. This is swiftly followed by Rosenior's Premier League bow on Saturday, when Brentford visit Stamford Bridge.
Rosenior's successful debut has undoubtedly lifted the mood around Stamford Bridge, breaking a peculiar ten-year hoodoo and providing a perfect platform for the challenges that lie immediately ahead.
