Chelsea fans had quite a few surprises after seeing Liam Rosenior’s starting XI for their clash with Arsenal.
Liam Rosenior decided to start Liam Delap out wide on the right and Joao Pedro through the middle. We also see Estevao Willian return to the substitutes’ bench along with Cole Palmer.
Chelsea headed in at 0-0 at half-time in what was a respectable first-half display that frustrated Arsenal, though the Blues didn’t create much themselves.
IN THE BLUE CORNER…
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
One positive was the strong defensive structure. Although the slight worry was how open the box looked from every Arsenal corner.
With Cole Palmer waiting and ready on the bench, perhaps he can inspire a late charge and send the Blues into the Carabao Cup final.
Gary Neville couldn’t believe Liam Rosenior said he’s saving Cole Palmer
Palmer may be called upon quite soon in the second half after struggling to really dominate in the final third and create much.
Especially Delap, who didn’t really do anywhere near enough in the first half.
Speaking on Sky Sports live commentary, Gary Neville was stunned that Rosenior admitted to using Palmer as a super sub for the second half.
“Yeah he mentioned that in his team talk, when he was asked about Cole Palmer. He said yeah but I want to think about the second half. It’s quite unusual for a manager to talk like that.”
Enzo Fernandez on the left…?
What do you make of Liam Rosenior’s starting side?
Arsenal v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox