Liam Rosenior feels “encouraged” by loss to Arsenal: A look at his first home game in charge of Chelsea

Liam Rosenior was never going to get a gentle introduction to life at Chelsea, and his first night in charge proved exactly that.

The former England international walked into the Stamford Bridge dugout for the first time as a manager and found Arsenal waiting, a side in strong form and chasing trophies.

To be fair, it is not surprising that the Gunners went on a 3–2 win in the Carabao Cup semi-final match, extending Chelsea’s winless home run against their London rivals to eight matches.

For Rosenior, who took over after Enzo Maresca parted ways with the Blues on January 1, this was a baptism of fire.

In his post-match comments, the ex-Strasbourg manager insisted he was not discouraged by the defeat. Instead, he was “encouraged by what I saw”

Even the scoreline showed that the match wasn't so easy. Arsenal were leading by two goals, but Chelsea dragged themselves back into the game thanks to a brace by substitute Alejandro Garnacho.

When Mikel Arteta’s side restored their two-goal lead, Chelsea kept pushing, and the late goal ensured the tie remained alive heading into the second leg.

Rosenior’s Starting XI vs Arsenal

Rosenior’s team selection already hinted at change. His starting line-up included Robert Sánchez in goal, and a back line of Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, and Marc Cucurella. In midfield, Enzo Fernández partnered Andrey Santos, a pairing that was more about control than physicality.

Out wide, Pedro Neto and Estêvão were to drive at defenders, while Marc Guiu led the line. Garnacho, who ended up being the star of the night, came from the bench and changed the the game.

Cole Palmer, Reece James, Malo Gusto, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens were not available, due to injuries or illness, while Moisés Caicedo was suspended. Rosenior confirmed after the match that Palmer had been left out as a precaution, because rushing him back would too risky. The squad was also dealing with an outbreak of illness, which disrupted preparations and reduced his options.

Positive Signs

What stood out most was how the World Champions played. Rosenior asked Sánchez to take on new responsibilities in possession, and when he made what many people believed to be a mistake followed, the manager did not hide behind his goalkeeper.

He accepted responsibility, saying if his players were making mistakes as they learn, then that was on him. This was unusual from a manager on a night like that at a major club.

Chelsea’s next test is in the Premier League against Brentford, and Rosenior has already hinted that some of his missing players could be back. Palmer and James are still being assessed, and their availability would lift the team’s spirit.

The Arsenal match suggested Rosenior wants his side to be braver with the ball, more aggressive in wide areas, and more willing to attack even when trailing, instead of trying to do damage control.

There were mistakes, and Rosenior did not shy away from that. There were also moments of belief that have not always been seen at Stamford Bridge this season. That is what he meant when he said he was encouraged.