Liam Rosenior has talked a good game off the pitch and on it, has watched his Chelsea side pick up two wins in three games, as well as pushing Arsenal close in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
But this is a Chelsea side still not firing on all cylinders. Craig Burley was stunned at just how lucky his old side got on Saturday, with Brentford far and away the better of the two sides on Saturday in London.
This is a constantly rotating Chelsea side with the Blues still fighting on four fronts, with the whole squad used. Liam Rosenior made eight changes for his first game, eight for his second and five on Saturday.
That underlines the need for everyone but when it comes to the big games, Rosenior has to make a brave decision. The need for change is clear, and Rosenior has got to finally remove an Enzo Maresca favourite.
What Marc Cucurella’s managers have said about him
“He has been phenomenal. Since I came to the club, his level has been high, not only his defending but also as part of our play with the ball.”
Enzo Maresca
“He’s a great professional, a really mature player…”
Luis de la Fuente
“He just came into the team at Brighton, he solved some problems for us in terms of balance on that left side, but his personality is infectious. He is a real good character around the team, he has got fantastic intensity.”
Graham Potter
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Marc Cucurella is surely in danger of losing his Chelsea spot
Rosenior has now seen all of his players and the majority have made two, if not three appearances. The new gaffer will feel he has a strong understanding of each player and Marc Cucurella has been poor.
The Spain star was suspended for the first game against Charlton after Rosenior saw him get caught out against Harry Wilson, and receive a red card during the 2-1 loss to Fulham. He returned against Arsenal.
Fulham v Chelsea - Premier League
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
But he was caught whinging on the touchline for Arsenal’s second goal, miles out of position. Against Brentford, it was much the same, Cucurella speaking to the officials in an embarrassing tone and manner.
A poor touch on the halfway line saw Cucurella concede possession and Brentford’s Kevin Schade almost scored, only for a world-class save from Robert Sanchez to deny the German attacker with his foot.
Jorrel Hato has been one of Chelsea’s best under Rosenior
Cucurella’s form has dropped off of late. A player who played 86 of his 88 Chelsea matches under Enzo Maresca, starting 76 times in those 88 matches. An incredible record, certainly one of Maresca’s stars.
Jorrel Hato scores his first Chelsea goal!
Jorrel Hato scores for Chelsea
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
What have you made of Hato’s position under Rosenior? Looks to be featuring heavily in the midfield…
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But the tide is changing and since Rosenior came in, Hato has produced one of the best singular displays so far for Chelsea. His outing against Charlton was exceptional albeit against much lesser opposition.
Hato deserves a start and Cucurella has struggling since the departure of Maresca, making mistakes under both Calum McFarlane and now Rosenior. It is about time £37m signing Hato gets a run in the side.
It might be that Hato was going to get a run out against Pafos in the Champions League on Wednesday night anyway, but when it comes to the big games, the former Ajax star deserves to get a run.
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