Chelsea Settle Quickly Under Rosenior in FA Cup Win at Charlton

Chelsea Begin New Era With Authority at Charlton

Chelsea’s first competitive outing under Liam Rosenior carried a sense of curiosity more than expectation, yet by the final whistle at a sold out Valley, clarity had replaced uncertainty. This was a composed, occasionally vibrant 4-1 FA Cup third round victory over Charlton, one that spoke to depth, youth and a quiet assurance from the touchline.

Against Championship opposition eager to test themselves, Chelsea controlled the evening through possession and patience. Charlton offered early resistance, spurred on by a vocal home crowd and flashes of attacking intent, but the structural balance of the visitors soon tilted the contest decisively in their favour.

Early Pressure and Chelsea Control

Charlton began brightly. Lloyd Jones and Tyreece Campbell both tested Chelsea’s defensive focus with speculative efforts, and there was just enough urgency to suggest an upset might briefly be imagined. Yet those moments faded as Chelsea established dominance, circulating the ball confidently and forcing Charlton deeper with every passing minute.

Five Chelsea efforts were repelled before the breakthrough arrived, a reward for sustained pressure rather than a moment of fortune. In first half stoppage time, Jorrel Hato responded quickest after Keenan Gough failed to clear, smashing a half volley into the top corner. At 19, it was a first goal for the club and one that carried the composure of a player far beyond his years.

Second Half Surge Seals Progress

Chelsea accelerated after the interval. Five minutes into the second half, Tosin Adarabioyo doubled the lead, guiding Facundo Buonanotte’s deep free kick into the net with a subtle header that underlined Chelsea’s aerial superiority.

Jones headed off target and Charlie Kelman was denied by a last ditch block. The home side were rewarded when Miles Leaburn converted from a corner, following a sensational save by Filip Jorgensen to deny Jones. For a brief moment, the contest stirred again.

That momentum was swiftly extinguished. Marc Guiu restored Chelsea’s two goal advantage from close range, reaffirming control and draining belief from the stands.

Squad Depth Sends Clear Signal

The final stages became an exhibition of Chelsea’s depth. Enzo Fernandez, Estevao Willian and Liam Delap all threatened before Pedro Neto smashed in a fourth goal during added time. Fernandez then converted a penalty with the final kick after Estevao was brought down, sealing a comprehensive 4-1 scoreline.

Cole Palmer was rested ahead of a Carabao Cup semi final against Arsenal, a decision that reflected calm forward planning rather than caution. Rosenior, unfazed by protest songs aimed at ownership, cut a measured figure as Chelsea advanced to the fourth round.

For Charlton, there were moments of pride. For Chelsea, there was assurance. A new chapter began with authority rather than noise.