Chelsea started the Liam Rosenior era with a strong 5-1 win over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round at The Valley on Saturday. The score was convincing, and this was the 41-year-old’s first game in charge since taking over from Enzo Maresca earlier this week.
The Blues had to work hard to get the first goal against their Championship hosts, who held on for most of the first half in front of a record crowd of 26,475. In the first half’s stoppage time, Chelsea finally broke through when Jorrel Hato scored with a clean left-footed volley to give the visitors a big lead going into the break.
After the break, the floodgates opened. Five minutes into the second half, Tosin Adarabioyo made it 2-0 by heading in a perfect free kick from Facundo Buonanotte. Charlton answered back when Miles Leaburn scored from close range in the 57th minute, giving the home fans hope. But that hope didn’t last long.
Five minutes after Leaburn’s goal, Marc Guiu made it a two-goal lead again by tapping in after Mannion could only block Buonanotte’s shot. Pedro Neto scored the fourth goal with a calm right-footed shot a minute into stoppage time. Three minutes later, Enzo Fernandez finished the rout from the penalty spot.
Next, Charlton will play Sheffield United at home in a week, as they try to avoid relegation from the Championship. Meanwhile, Chelsea have to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Chelsea Get Ready For The Threat From Arsenal
Chelsea’s focus is now on the Carabao Cup. On Wednesday, they will play Arsenal in the first leg of the semi-final at Stamford Bridge. The Gunners made it to the last four after a thrilling penalty shootout win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates. Marc Guehi, who used to play for Chelsea, scored a late equalizer to send the game into extra time after Maxence Lacroix’s own goal gave Arsenal the lead. Kepa Arrizabalaga stopped Lacroix after 15 straight successful spot-kicks, sending Arsenal through 8-7.
The first leg starts at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, and the second leg will be played at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, February 3. Rosenior takes over a Chelsea team that have struggled to find wins since the end of November. The quick turnaround doesn’t give his team much time to rest after the trip to South London.
The winner of the two-legged tie will play either Newcastle United, the defending champions, or Manchester City in the final at Wembley in March. Rosenior would make a big statement by beating Mikel Arteta’s team, bringing Chelsea closer to winning trophies in his first season.