Sports
Rosenior impressed with Chelsea quality after dispatching Palace
Liam Rosenior believes Chelsea proved their credentials by passing what he described as a major examination in Sunday’s 3-1 Premier League victory away to Crystal Palace.
The result continued an impressive start to Rosenior’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues now winning four of his first five matches in charge since his arrival from Strasbourg to replace Enzo Maresca. The only setback so far came in the League Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal.
At 41, Rosenior has also become the first Chelsea head coach since Graham Potter to collect maximum points from his opening two league fixtures.
Chelsea took control of the contest through Estevao Willian, who broke the deadlock midway through the first half before setting up Joao Pedro shortly after the interval. Enzo Fernandez added a third from the penalty spot, with Palace pulling one back late through Chris Richards after Adam Wharton had been dismissed.
Rosenior was particularly encouraged by how his players adapted tactically on the day.
“I think today was a huge test,” he said. “I changed the shape and the performance pleased me a lot. Ninety-five per cent of the pressing and positioning was absolutely perfect.
“They are engaged and they are believing in what they are doing. It is only one game, though, and we have to make sure we are consistent every time we play.”
Chelsea’s league form has improved sharply since Rosenior’s appointment. When he took charge, the club had managed just one win from nine top-flight matches. That run has now been left behind, with the Blues climbing to fifth in the table as they push for Champions League qualification.
Rosenior acknowledged upon his arrival that immediate results were essential, particularly amid suggestions he would simply align with the club’s hierarchy following Maresca’s departure. His previous role at Strasbourg, who share ownership links with Chelsea, had also prompted debate around the appointment.
“I’m not thinking about relief or how I feel,” Rosenior said. “My focus is purely on the job, and that is what really matters.”
Attention now turns to Europe, with Chelsea travelling to Napoli on Wednesday knowing qualification for the Champions League last 16 remains finely balanced. They currently occupy eighth place, the final automatic qualification spot, and defeat would likely send them into a play-off.
Despite the momentum, Rosenior is keen to keep expectations in check.
“We have another massive game on Wednesday,” he said. “You cannot get carried away. There are still things we need to fix quickly.
“I was not happy with the final 10 minutes. I felt we should have gone on and dominated the game more.”
