Liam Rosenior Ends Chelsea Debut Curse With Historic FA Cup Win

Rosenior equals Antonio Conte’s achievement at Chelsea

Chelsea’s FA Cup victory over Charlton Athletic was not just an encouraging first step for Liam Rosenior — it was a genuinely historic moment.

With the 5-1 win at The Valley, Rosenior achieved something that had eluded every Chelsea head coach for almost a decade.

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A Feat Not Seen Since Antonio Conte

Rosenior became the first Chelsea manager to win his debut match since Antonio Conte in August 2016, when the Italian’s side edged past West Ham United 2-1 at Stamford Bridge.

That victory marked the beginning of a hugely successful reign under Conte, one that culminated in a Premier League title the following season. Since then, however, Chelsea managers have found their first games in charge anything but welcoming.

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The ‘Debut Match Curse’ Finally Broken

In the nine years between Conte and Rosenior, nine different Chelsea head coaches failed to win their opening match in charge. Some drew, others lost, but all were denied the confidence boost that often comes with a winning start.

The so-called debut match curse became an unfortunate symbol of Chelsea’s instability in the dugout — frequent managerial changes, short-term fixes, and a lack of continuity.

That is why Rosenior’s win matters beyond the scoreline.

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More Than Just a Win

While the opposition came from the Championship, the manner of Chelsea’s victory was significant. After a slow first half, the Blues showed composure, patience, and authority — qualities that have often been missing in recent seasons.

Rosenior’s calm presence on the touchline, his proactive substitutions, and the energy injected into the side all played a part in ensuring his name finally broke a long-running trend.

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A Symbolic Fresh Start

One win does not guarantee long-term success — Chelsea fans know that better than anyone. But ending a decade-long run without a winning managerial debut feels symbolic.

For a club desperate for stability, confidence, and a sense of direction, Rosenior’s first night in charge delivered all three.

Whether this marks the start of something more meaningful remains to be seen — but for now, the curse is over.