Liam Rosenior's Chelsea managerial career began in emphatic fashion, as the Blues cruised to a 5-1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round at The Valley. Rosenior, who was appointed on Tuesday and officially took charge on Thursday, made eight changes to the starting XI with a League Cup semi-final looming.
Chelsea dominated the first half, maintaining 78% possession and pinning Charlton in their own third. However, the breakthrough didn't arrive until the fourth minute of added time when Jorrel Hato, 19, making his first start, unleashed a stunning half-volley into the top corner after a miscued header from Guiu. It marked Hato's first goal for the club.
Five minutes after the restart, Tosin Adarabioyo doubled Chelsea's advantage, heading home Facundo Buonanotte's free-kick. Charlton responded swiftly, with Miles Leaburn firing in a rebound after Filip Jorgensen initially saved Lloyd Jones' header.
However, Chelsea quickly restored their two-goal cushion. Guiu, who had earlier provided the unintentional assist for Hato's opener, found the net himself, drilling a low shot past Charlton keeper Will Mannion after Mannion had smothered Buonanotte's attempt.
Late pressure from the visitors resulted in two more goals in added time. Pedro Neto calmly slotted home into the bottom-left corner in the 91st minute. Substitute Enzo Fernandez then capped off the scoring with a penalty after Estevao was brought down by Mannion, making it 5-1.
Rosenior's first starting XI included Filip Jorgensen in goal, a back four of Josh Acheampong, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato. Moises Caicedo captained the team in midfield alongside Andrey Santos, while Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Buonanotte, and Jamie Gittens also started, with Marc Guiu leading the attack.
The victory marks the first time a Chelsea manager has won his first game in charge since Antonio Conte in August 2016. While the away fans voiced their frustration towards the club's ownership, Rosenior's side took care of business on the pitch.
Chelsea will now face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday.
