FOOTBALL
Posted on February 13, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on February 13, 2026 10:44 pm
Liam Rosenior is working on a new formation at Chelsea. There is real change taking place at Stamford Bridge. The head coach’s new setup is working but needs to sustain for the full game. For the first time in a long while, fans saw structure and speed. The improving signs are there, but the problem is consistency. One good half of football cannot be enough for full control across the entire match.
A First Half That Revealed The Vision Of Liam Rosenior
When Rosenior walked in at Chelsea, many felt the plans looked too similar from the past. The shape appeared similar and the movements were also familiar. But, patience is the most important thing in football. New systems take time to take shape. Now, the differences are starting to show.
The opening 45 minutes of the latest Premier League fixture against Leeds United offered the clearest proof of it. It was quick, direct and balanced. There were no defenders drifting into midfield. Instead, the full backs held their shape and overlapped with intent. That small change gave Chelsea natural balance and stretched the pitch properly.
Enzo Fernandez thrived in the left half space, controlling the tempo without being crowded. Marc Cucurella stayed wide on the left, offering room for attacks. On the opposite flank, Malo Gusto supported Estevao Willian with smart forward runs. The midfield looked in control rather than in chaos. With that, it allowed the creative players to make their moves.
Cole Palmer looked free to create his magic. He drifted deep to collect the ball, moved up centrally and drifted wide when needed. That freedom changed the attack for the Blues. Estevao showed energy while taking on defenders with confidence. The tempo was sharp and the passing was on point as well.
🎙️ ‘It’s so important to move on quickly because at Chelsea you have to try to win every single game.'
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 11, 2026
Freedom For Creators & Defensive Stability Behind Them
Rosenior brought things back to normal speed. No unnecessary risks in buildup and no forced patterns. The ball moved smoothly from back to front. Chelsea attacked space rather than keeping a lot of possession.
Palmer’s role was key in that formation. When given the free role, he becomes unpredictable. Dropping close to Robert Sanchez to receive possession showed trust in his intelligence. That kind of freedom is rare, but it brings out his best qualities. The same applied to Estevao, who benefited from regular support on the right.
Behind them, the defensive structure held firm. The midfield shape provided both cover and passing. Andrey Santos emerged as the heartbeat of the system. His positioning and energy kept everything together. Without him, the balance may not be there. He reads danger early and collects the ball quickly. That makes the entire setup work with ease.
For 45 minutes, Chelsea were ticking and creating chances. Their movements were fast and brave. It was not only the best under Rosenior so far, but arguably the most enjoyable in recent seasons. Fans could finally see what attacking football with intent.
The Second Half Showed A Different Story
After building a two goal cushion in the first half, Chelsea lost control. The intensity dipped. and the structure that looked so secure began to stretch. The same sharpness in possession faded, and momentum shifted as well.
It would be easy to blame the manager directly, but that would be harsh. This project is still fresh under a new head coach. Rosenior is working on his trusted starting eleven and shaping roles clearly. That takes time and repetition.
Although, the 2-2 draw will surely hurt because of how strong the first half was. It felt like a big opportunity slipped out from their grip. Nonetheless, there are positive signs. The team identity is forming and the players seem clearer in their roles.
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add Six Sports as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Add as a preferred source on Google
Mentioned in this Article
Recommended for you