When Chelsea were linked with a move for Anthony Gordon back in 2022, when Thomas Tuchel was still the club’s manager, fans were not impressed. On Saturday, they would have certainly been hoping to have someone like him in the Blues squad, as he scored the winning goal for Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.
That was Newcastle United’s first win at Stamford Bridge in more than a decade. It was back in 2012 that they last won at Chelsea’s home ground.
After the match, questions are being raised about Liam Rosenior. There were always doubts about his suitability for a job of this magnitude. And a little over two months into it, he seems to be failing the test.
This game against Newcastle United was a massive one for Chelsea in terms of the Champions League title race. But looking at the performance, you would think they were not even particularly bothered about the result. The Blues lacked any real urgency and looked tired from their mid-week efforts against PSG. What is even more worrying is the fact that opposition teams seem to be catching on to their weaknesses.
Gordon points out Chelsea weakness after scoring Newcastle United’s winner
After scoring the winner for Newcastle United on Saturday, Gordon said: “Chelsea were playing man-for-man so we knew we could get behind them, but it did seem very open.”
Defensively, Chelsea have struggled all season. So, that might not be something you can completely blame on Rosenior. That being said, one cannot overlook how open they seem at the back at times.
In many ways, it reminds me of Mauricio Pochettino’s time as manager of the club. Chelsea conceded a lot, but they always found ways to score as well. Unfortunately, that does not happen under Rosenior as often. Cole Palmer is not at his blistering best at the moment. Joao Pedro has done well but has been off these last two games. And Estevao has been out injured. Other than those three, the Blues do not possess much of a goal threat going forward.
Chelsea’s weakness becoming clear to opponents
Rosenior did make a pretty good start to life as Chelsea manager. But now, it looks like opposition managers are figuring him out, and he is losing consistently.
After the game, Rosenior talked about their last league outing had been a 4-1 win at Aston Villa. That is very true. But it is also true that Chelsea have won just one of their last five outings in the Premier League.
When the race to qualify for the Champions League is this close, you cannot afford that. While teams like Manchester United and Liverpool are picking up some form, the Blues are fading away. And to be very honest, it is hard to see a way back for them.
I would love to be proven wrong and for Rosenior’s form to turn things around. But the patterns are not in Chelsea’s favour at the moment. Even if he fails to qualify for the Champions League, it is very likely that the owners will continue to back him.
Of course, they are unlikely to be keen to admit their error this swiftly. But from what we have seen over Rosenior’s first couple of months in the Chelsea job, it is hard to imagine him being a long-term success at Stamford Bridge. Once again, I would love to be proven wrong.
