While there may be some grumbles that Chelsea didn’t win by four or five against Pafos on Wednesday night, Liam Rosenior will be delighted to get through another game with a win.
For Rosenior, it is all about results. Having been thrown in at the deep end after replacing Enzo Maresca in the Chelsea dugout, Rosenior has had no choice but to do what he can to get wins under his belt.
It is not a time to try and change things too much, but to get Chelsea winning matches and keeping clean sheets. Three wins in four and two consecutive clean sheets will delight the newly-appointed manager.
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Liam Delap's Chelsea stats vs Pafos
Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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But it is fair to say that not all of Chelsea’s players are firing on all cylinders. Some are struggling to find rhythm with the constant rotation. Rosenior made another six changes to his side on Wednesday night.
Rosenior responds when asked question about Liam Delap
One player who has struggled to replicate his best form since joining Chelsea is £30m striker Liam Delap. The striker finally got his first start under Rosenior on Wednesday night, having fallen victim to the virus.
Fulham v Chelsea - Premier League
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Delap opened his Premier League account for Chelsea in front of Rosenior at Fulham, but he struggled to get on the end of any crosses last night. Rosenior was asked if Delap is lacking confidence by a reporter.
The reporter said: “Is Liam Delap a player lacking confidence at the moment?”, to which Rosenior replied, “I wouldn’t say so. Liam is an outstanding player. It’s very difficult for a centre-forward to find space.
“Especially, when a team defends as deep as Pafos did. Liam prefers open spaces to run in with his speed and pace. He did a lot of good things, with and without the ball. I wouldn’t say he’s lacking confidence.”
Liam Delap’s stats for Chelsea in narrow win against Pafos
While Delap’s lack of goals was the reason for the question following Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Pafos, there will be something else concerning Rosenior. It’s not a matter of confidence, but rather his work rate.
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Another frustrating performance
Delap struggles against Pafos.
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Indeed, Delap lost eight of his 11 duels and lost possession a remarkable 12 times throughout the 68 minutes he was on the pitch. The striker will be frustrated with his performance against such a lowly side.
Rosenior’s comments also suggest that Delap may only be able to play against one type of opposition, one that leaves gaps. If Delap was eyeing Pafos as a way to convince Rosenior, he did much the opposite.
With Crystal Palace up next, a side in panic mode and now without Marc Guehi who joined Man City despite interest from Chelsea, the chances are that Joao Pedro will start up front over striker Delap.
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