Liam Rosenior criticizes Chelsea’s match management: ‘Insufficient’

Liam Rosenior stated he is discovering which players he can depend on after Chelsea experienced Wesley Fofana’s dismissal and subsequently squandered two points in stoppage time during a 1-1 draw with Burnley.

The Blues had been in control after João Pedro scored in the fourth minute at Stamford Bridge, but following a second-half red card, they fell back defensively.

A Burnley equalizer seemed inevitable, and it materialized when Zian Flemming managed to evade his marker and head in from a corner.

At that moment, Chelsea had four central defenders on the field, yet none were close to Flemming as he connected with James Ward-Prowse’s delivery, with Rosenior noting afterward that one of his players had failed to mark the correct opponent.

This reflected a concerning assessment of a performance that echoed their inability to secure a win against Leeds when leading 2-0 in their previous match, while Fofana’s red card—issued for a second yellow due to a late challenge on Ward-Prowse—highlighted ongoing disciplinary issues within the team.

“That wasn’t Wesley’s fault,” Rosenior remarked regarding the team’s downfall. “That was due to our performance. From the first goal, we lacked sharpness when we had control. I want us to generate continuous attacks. We were too cautious in our possession.

“We were aware that their primary threat with Ward-Prowse on the field came from set pieces. We fielded our tallest players because that was their only route to score with 10 men. Yet, we still failed to manage it.

“We’ve let slip four points from two home matches. It’s unacceptable for a club of this stature for me to claim we were the superior side.

“I am gaining insights about the players. I am identifying those you can count on when challenges arise and you need to secure a match. This is something we must rectify promptly.”

They began strongly, with João Pedro exerting every effort to redirect Pedro Neto’s cross, albeit with his thigh, past Martin Dúbravka amid a scramble.

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Chelsea then maintained dominance without significantly testing Dubravka, leaving an opportunity for Flemming to instill a familiar sense of disappointment.

“We need players who can be depended upon in critical moments to fulfill their responsibilities,” Rosenior stated. “Set pieces are crucial in the Premier League. Our performance this season in defending set plays is not at the standard necessary to achieve our goals.

“I understand what is required to reach that level. It is not a matter of youth; it is about evaluating the players you can trust in challenging situations.”

A point for Scott Parker’s team brought them within eight points of Nottingham Forest in 17th place, and it could have been even better had Jacob Bruun Larsen converted a free header in the closing moments.

“A bit frustrated to miss a significant chance at the end,” Parker commented. “I couldn’t ask for much more from the group.

“The players demonstrated real resilience today, coming back after conceding so early against the quality we faced. We grew into the match.

“Brilliant quality [from Ward-Prowse]. A true specialist in set plays.”