New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has broken a significant club curse, securing victory in his first match in charge where nine predecessors had failed.
A Decade-Long Drought Ends at The Valley
On Saturday evening, Chelsea thrashed Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the FA Cup third round, marking a perfect start for Rosenior. Goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez sealed a dominant performance and safe passage to the fourth round.
This result means Rosenior is the first Chelsea manager to win his debut match since Antonio Conte in August 2016. Conte's first game, a 2-1 win over West Ham United, was a decade ago. In the intervening years, a run of nine managers—including both permanent and interim appointments—failed to start with a win, recording five draws and four defeats.
Rosenior Praises Squad's Intensity and Spirit
Speaking after the match at Charlton's Valley ground, the new Blues boss was full of praise for his team's application. "I was very happy with the attitude of the team, even in the first-half," Rosenior said. "This is not an easy place to come, third round of the FA Cup. I felt our press was very intense and really good."
He highlighted the impact of his attacking players, specifically mentioning Alejandro Garnacho's persistence, Marc Guiu's 'magnificent' performance, and Jamie Gittens's creativity. "A lot of real positives and a good start," he concluded.
Focus Shifts to London Derby and Premier League
The emphatic win provides a timely boost ahead of a crucial week for Chelsea. The team now faces a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday night, followed by Rosenior's first Premier League game in charge against Brentford at Stamford Bridge next Saturday.
Looking ahead to the Arsenal clash, Rosenior emphasised the basics. "I challenged the players on our reactions to setbacks, our intensity," he stated. "Nothing tactical... I was very happy with the togetherness and the spirit of the group today." He believes that focus on winning duels and maintaining intensity is the foundation for success.
With the weight of a ten-year debut jinx lifted, Rosenior's Chelsea era has begun in the most convincing fashion possible.
