New Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has promised to bring more excitement from his second-string players following a strong 5-1 victory over Charlton at the Valley, marking his debut in charge.
The opening goal of the FA Cup third-round match came after a patient first half, scored by the unexpected hero, defender Jorrel Hato.
Rosenior made eight changes after witnessing Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Fulham, and the players previously overlooked by former manager Enzo Maresca stepped up, including Facundo Buonanotte assisting Tosin Adarabioyo, who headed in the second goal.
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It was the first time since Antonio Conte in 2016 that a new Chelsea manager won their debut match. While expectations for Rosenior to replicate the quick success that brought Conte a Premier League title in his first season might be high, this performance suggests that Rosenior’s team has Wembley in their sights come May.
Teenager Marc Guiu netted the third after Charlton’s Miles Leaburn temporarily brought them back into the game, followed by two additional goals from substitutes Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández.
Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens also shone in their rare starting appearances on the wings.
“I was very pleased with the starting lineup and particularly the front three,” Rosenior said. “Ali [Garnacho] kept pushing in his one-on-ones, Marc Guiu was outstanding and earned his goal. Jamie was a constant threat to the defenders and created numerous opportunities.
“There were many positives, and it was a solid beginning.”
Senior players Malo Gusto, Cole Palmer, and Reece James were omitted from the squad due to injury concerns and had their playing time carefully managed.
Rosenior explained that under Maresca, players were sometimes rushed back from injury against medical advice. “The absences of Malo, Cole, and Reece were precautionary,” he said. “I don’t want to take any unnecessary risks at this stage of the season. They had minor tweaks or knocks. I’m confident that I have a strong enough squad that doesn’t require me to jeopardize their health.
“I have faith in this group. If we aim for a successful season, we must utilize all of them. Their performances today give me hope for the future.”
Rosenior’s squad will next face Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinals on Wednesday, followed by a visit from Brentford for his first Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.
“I was very happy with the team’s mindset, even in the first half,” he noted. “Playing at the Valley is challenging, but we managed the game well and had a very intense press.”
PA contributed to this report.