Three things we learned from Chelsea FC loss as Liam Rosenior trend gives cause for concern

Chelsea searched for an equaliser after the break, but Newcastle held on for a precious three points.

One of the key themes of Rosenior’s reign has been Chelsea’s ability to sustain and take advantage of attacking pressure.

For the first time tonight, though, Chelsea looked stifled in attack as they failed to score in the league for just the third time this season.

Despite having 67 per cent of the ball, Chelsea recorded fewer shots on target than Newcastle, who made the most of their rare forays forward.

This was a frustrating performance and a huge setback for Chelsea, who could take positives, even in defeat, from their display against Paris Saint-Germain.

Away to the Champions League holders, Chelsea looked confident, unafraid to take risks in possession, and crucially, were sharp when presented with opportunities.

By contrast, they were toothless as Newcastle came to west London, soaked up pressure and came away with a rare three points.

This will be a hard lesson for Rosenior to take. Unlike in previous games, this was a performance utterly devoid of positives to build on.

Chelsea were the first of the Champions League-chasing sides to play this weekend. Tonight was a great opportunity for the Blues to lay down a marker.

Chelsea have now dropped points in their last three home games, with their last win at Stamford Bridge coming in stoppage time against 10-man West Ham.

Newcastle had not won at Stamford Bridge since a Papiss Cisse-inspired victory in May 2012, but they did not have to be at their best to get the better of Rosenior’s men.

Nervous in defence and lacking conviction in attack, Rosenior went from an animated figure on the touchline to slumped in his seat by the half-time whistle.

Chelsea have not been perfect under Rosenior, but their performances have at least shown plenty of character and attacking intent.

This was the first time under Rosenior that Chelsea have looked completely devoid of ideas, and the boos at half-time reflected that.

Debate as to who should start in goal for Chelsea dominated the build-up to this match. Injury took the decision out of Rosenior’s hands today, with Jorgensen left out of the matchday squad against Newcastle with a groin injury.

That said, Rosenior still used his pre-match comments to reiterate that he has “got two very good goalkeepers” who are “both very good in their own right”, comments which underline the fact that the Blues coach is unsure who his first-choice keeper is heading into the business end of the season.

Sanchez was not made to do an awful lot, but when called into action, he was alert and saved well from Jacob Ramsey and Gordon in each half.

The Spaniard did not look short of sharpness despite limited minutes in recent weeks.

Neither Sanchez nor Jorgensen have shown themselves to be the long-term answer in goal for Chelsea, but with plenty still to play for, it will be interesting to see who Rosenior opts for once Jorgensen is back fit.

Rosenior cannot keep chopping and changing his goalkeeper if Chelsea are to make a sustained bid for the Champions League places over the next couple of months, and Sanchez has made a strong case for himself.