FOOTBALL
Posted on March 2, 2026 11:00 pm | Updated on March 2, 2026 2:40 pm
Red cards and set-pieces are disrupting the confidence of Liam Rosenior and Chelsea this season. It’s a pattern that has taken shape where poor discipline and failure on dead balls are costing them key points. The recent 2-1 loss at Arsenal was the latest example of it. Unless these issues are dealt with, their push for Champions League football could fade fast.
Liam Rosenior Not Happy With Poor Calls From Chelsea Stars
**Chelsea**’s latest defeat at the Emirates against Arsenal didn’t come from lack of effort. They created chances and even drew level through a set piece before the turning point arrived. However, Pedro Neto’s red card after two quick yellow cards changed the contest.
The second one was for a poor tackle on Gabriel Martinelli. That dismissal left them with ten men at a key stage of the game. It forced them into survival mode rather than trying to score again. Playing vital minutes with a man down has clearly affects the team’s results.
As per reports, the Blues have spent over 12 percent of their league season reduced to ten men. It is the highest rate in the top division.
After the game, Liam Rosenior said:
“If we don’t eradicate the set-play issues that have started to creep into our game and our discipline issues, then for all of the good things we do in the game, we are not going to get what we want to achieve.
“I have respect for the previous manager Enzo (Maresca). I don’t speak about what happened before but it is starting to happen with me.
“That’s something I felt we had addressed. We went 10 games without a red card, now (we have had) two in two games and that’s a problem we need to solve.”
Why Set-Piece Goals Keep Hurting The Blues?
Arsenal’s two goals against their London rivals came from corner kicks. That result finished them regaining a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League. William Saliba’s header opened the scoring for the Gunners. Later on, Jurrien Timber hit home the winner.
In the meantime, Mikel Arteta’s side have become something of a record-breaking set-piece side. They have equalled the record for goals from corners in a single season with 16 in the PL. That’s huge as it shows how top teams turn dead balls into match-defining moments.
Chelsea have conceded from set pieces multiple times this term. Given that, this is the weakness that is consistently hurting them. Against top rivals, they’ve shown poor calls in aerial duels and their control at the back. Opponents know this and are increasingly targeting corners and free kicks as prime scoring opportunities.
Defending set pieces isn’t only about height, it is about communication and anticipation. Head coach Rosenior has openly said that these are issues costing his side results.
What This Means For Chelsea’s Season Ahead?
Chelsea sit outside the top five in the points table at the moment. So, any slip-ups now carries added weight as they fight for UCL football next season. Their issues go beyond just a single game. They have struggled with discipline and poor defending from set plays across multiple matches. That has led to dropped points that look costly in the table.
In addition, Rosenior has also said the team needs to work on these problems if they want to achieve their goals. They need to be focused during set pieces and have controlled reactions. The Blues’ squad has talent and tactical depth as well.
But, that alone will not help them win tight games. Discipline and defensive solidity will be required to go all the way to achieve their goals.
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