Liam Rosenior Enjoys Dream Chelsea Debut as Blues Thrash Charlton 5-1

Liam Rosenior got off to the perfect start as Chelsea head coach, guiding the Blues to a convincing 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round at The Valley.

It was not always comfortable, particularly during a frustrating first half, but Chelsea eventually asserted their quality and turned the tie into a statement win for their new manager.

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Hato Breaks the Deadlock After First-Half Frustration

Chelsea dominated possession early on, but Charlton sat deep and made life difficult for the visitors. Clear chances were limited, and much of Chelsea’s threat came from wide areas.

Jamie Gittens, deployed on the right flank, was Chelsea’s most dangerous outlet. The winger repeatedly cut inside onto his left foot, testing goalkeeper Will Mannion on several occasions.

Josh Acheampong also went close midway through the first half, forcing Mannion into an excellent fingertip save with a low drive to his right.

With the away end growing restless, Chelsea finally found a breakthrough just before the interval. A Moises Caicedo cross dropped invitingly for Jorrel Hato, who unleashed a superb first-time volley past Mannion to give the Blues a deserved lead.

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Second-Half Goals and Charlton Response

Chelsea carried their momentum into the second half, and their advantage was doubled when Tosin Adarabioyo met a Facundo Buonanotte free-kick with a powerful near-post header.

However, any hopes of a first clean sheet under Rosenior were quickly dashed. Former Chelsea academy player Miles Leaburn pulled one back for Charlton after a corner, following up after Filip Jorgensen had made an initial save. With no VAR in operation, the goal stood despite appeals for offside.

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Guiu, Neto and Estevao Seal the Rout

Chelsea responded in style just five minutes later. Alejandro Garnacho found Buonanotte in space, whose shot was saved by Mannion before Marc Guiu reacted quickest to turn in the rebound and restore Chelsea’s two-goal cushion.

With the game under control, Rosenior introduced Estevao, Enzo Fernandez, and Liam Delap, and the Blues stepped up a gear.

Estevao, in particular, impressed with his direct running and confidence, repeatedly testing Mannion and taking defenders on with ease.

Deep into added time, Pedro Neto made it four, creating space inside the box before firing low into the near post.

With virtually the last kick of the game, Estevao was brought down by Mannion, earning Chelsea a penalty. Enzo Fernandez calmly converted from the spot to cap off a dominant second-half display.

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Promising Signs Under Rosenior

Rosenior named a heavily rotated side, giving opportunities to players such as Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Jorrel Hato, Facundo Buonanotte, and Marc Guiu.

Tactically, there were familiar elements — including Hato inverting into midfield — but also encouraging signs of flexibility and intensity, particularly after the break.

Most importantly, Rosenior becomes the first Chelsea manager since Antonio Conte to win his debut match, and the Blues move confidently into the next round of the FA Cup.

It’s only one game — and against lower-league opposition — but this was a composed, professional performance that offered Chelsea fans something they’ve been craving: optimism.