If Liam Rosenior had been offered a 5-1 win in his first match as Chelsea manager, the new Blues gaffer would have jumped at that deal. In fact, he will have jumped at any result, as long as it was a win.
It could not have gone much better for Rosenior, who watched his Chelsea side frustrated by Charlton for much of the first half. However, Jorrel Hato scored his first Chelsea goal inside first-half injury time.
It forced Charlton out of their low block and left space in behind. Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, and Enzo Fernandez all got their names on the score sheet as Chelsea cruised to an easy 5-1 win.
Discuss: How does Rosenior solve a problem like Garnacho? 📉
Another disappointing display
Garnacho stats v Charlton
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Tactical tweaks were obvious. While it might not be the marauding goalkeeper, man-to-man, bursts of energy all over the pitch that Rosenior orchestrated at Strasbourg, there were some minor changes.
Rosenior wanted Garnacho and Gittens to stay wide for Chelsea
These days, wingers are basically playmakers or strikers. The majority come inside and look to shoot, or try to slip the ball into a striker. It allows a full-back to overlap, but it means the middle gets crowded.
Alejandro Garnacho playing for Chelsea
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
On Saturday, The Athletic claims Rosenior was constantly urging Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens to remain wide. It opened up the space for inverted full-back Jorrel Hato and Facundo Buonanotte.
Gittens enjoyed one of his best displays in a Chelsea shirt, having failed to impress since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund, but it was another frustrating display from Garnacho, who was booed by home fans.
The former Manchester United man seemed incapable of beating a man, lacked concentration on the ball and surely, Rosenior won’t have been impressed with Garnacho losing 7/9 duels and 0 defensive actions.
Three 8’s, but a 4/10 for Garnacho – do you agree? 👀
One of Jamie Gittens' best Chelsea outings…
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
What Karen Carney said about Garnacho’s performance
When Garnacho did get half a yard, his attempt to cross or shoot was blocked. A reminder that this was against Championship defenders. At that, a newly-promoted side is fighting to stay in the Championship.
Karen Carney was frustrated by Garnacho too, telling TNT Sports: “It’s his decision-making that frustrates me. He kept coming in, sometimes as a winger, you have to recognise you need to go on the outside.
“Give the full-back a problem, ask him questions. The game stretched, that’s when Garnacho is at his best,” Carney summed up, having been a winger during her career and identifying Garnacho’s issues.
Ultimately, when all of Chelsea’s attackers are fit, Garnacho does not get anywhere near the starting XI. Neto and Cole Palmer are first choice, but Palmer is a doubt for Wednesday night against Arsenal.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox