Liam Rosenior did something no Chelsea manager has done for a decade in first game
New Chelsea boss Liam Rosenior got off to a winning start in his first game in charge of the Blues as they thrashed Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the FA Cup on Saturday evening.
New Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior has become the first boss to win his opening match in charge of the Blues in a decade. Rosenior enjoyed the perfect start as his men thrashed Championship side Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the FA Cup third round on Saturday evening.
Strikes from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez secured a straightforward progression to the fourth round for Rosenior's charges. The triumph means Rosenior is the first Chelsea manager since Antonio Conte in August 2016 to claim victory in his debut match at the helm. That success ten years ago saw the Italian mastermind a 2-1 victory against West Ham United.
None of the previous nine managers, including caretaker and interim appointments before Rosenior, managed to win their opening fixture in charge of the Blues. Their records featured five draws and four defeats, counting Frank Lampard's seperate spells as manager and interim individually.
Speaking after the match about Chelsea's performance in his first game, Rosenior commended his new squad's approach at the Valley. He said: "Yeah, I was very happy with the attitude of the team, even in the first-half.
"This is not an easy place to come, third round of the FA Cup. I felt our press was very intense and really good.
"I felt we controlled the game, created a couple of chances from outside the box. The goal came at a really good time. It was a fantastic finish from Hato.
"The game opens up second-half. And I felt some of the passages of play... we know we have outstanding players.
"I was able to bring on some outstanding players from the bench. But I have to say that I was delighted with the starting XI. I was delighted with the front three. I felt Ale [Garnacho] kept going in his one-vs-ones.
"Marc Guiu was magnificent, and deserved his goal. Jamie [Gittens] looked like he was going at the defenders.
"He looked like he could create in a lot of moments. So a lot of real positives and a good start."
Chelsea's attention now turns to Wednesday night's Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg showdown against London rivals Arsenal. Rosenior will then oversee his maiden Premier League fixture three days later when Brentford visit Stamford Bridge.
Discussing the upcoming Arsenal encounter, Rosenior added: "I've got another two days. No, I think the biggest thing I challenged the players on was our reactions to setbacks, our intensity.
"Nothing tactical, nothing technical. These players are outstanding. They've been well coached before me. I was very happy with the togetherness and the spirit of the group today [Saturday].
"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."
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Source: Mirror
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