Rosenior’s Approach to Maximizing Garnacho
Before criticizing Alejandro Garnacho too harshly, consider his crucial role in keeping Chelsea’s Carabao Cup hopes alive. The 21-year-old scored twice as a substitute in the first leg against Arsenal, securing a narrow 3-2 defeat that leaves the Blues in contention. Yet, his starting performance against West Ham suggests a return to the bench may benefit him for now.
Garnacho endured a challenging first half at Stamford Bridge, marked by numerous errors that justified his halftime withdrawal. Statistics show he lost possession over ten times within the first 30 minutes. In West Ham’s opening goal, he struggled physically against right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who overpowered him and fed Jarrod Bowen for a curling cross that evaded Robert Sanchez.
The second goal exposed further defensive lapses, as Garnacho failed to track Wan-Bissaka’s forward run. This allowed the full-back to receive a pass from Bowen and lay off for Crysencio Summerville to finish from 18 yards. Offensively, Garnacho struggled in one-on-one duels with Wan-Bissaka, contributing to Chelsea’s decision to omit their £40 million summer signing from the second half.
Effective In-Game Management Under Rosenior
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior deserves praise for his proactive substitutions, making three changes at halftime that turned the game around. Unlike previous managers who hesitated or made conservative adjustments, Rosenior’s bold moves introduced fresh energy, helping Chelsea secure a victory that propelled them into the Premier League’s top four.
Rosenior’s family, including his father Leroy, supports from seats behind the dugout. After Enzo Fernandez’s winning goal, the coach shared a knowing wink with his father, a moment earned through astute decision-making that shifted the match’s momentum.
Benoit Badiashile also underperformed defensively in the first half and was replaced by Wesley Fofana. This display raises questions about Chelsea’s defensive reinforcements, potentially prompting a deadline-day push for Jeremy Jacquet from Rennes or Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg.
Palmer’s Resilience and Team Discipline
Following Marc Cucurella’s equalizer, Rosenior consulted Cole Palmer about his condition. Palmer confirmed he felt fine and eager to push for the win, completing the full 90 minutes. With Chelsea trailing, resting him wasn’t feasible, though a more comfortable lead would have preserved his energy for the upcoming Arsenal clash in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea’s young squad has often faced criticism for unnecessary bookings and ejections, but they showed maturity during a late stoppage-time brawl. The incident began when Adama Traore shoved Cucurella to the ground, escalating tensions. While Traore and Konstantinos Mavropanos escaped red cards—Mavropanos appeared to swing at Palmer—Jean-Clair Todibo received a straight red via VAR for violent conduct after grabbing Joao Pedro by the throat.
This composure highlights Rosenior’s growing influence on a team known for its youth and occasional lapses in control. West Ham, now short on central defenders, may accelerate interest in Axel Disasi, though Chelsea insists on a permanent sale rather than a loan.
