Newcastle United poured cold water on Chelsea’s hopes of bouncing back from their 5-2 loss at the hands of PSG in the Champions League. Liam Rosenior’s side looked toothless and did not trouble the opposition much throughout the game. It was a tired display from a team that looked spent from their efforts in Paris in mid-week.
Of course, questions are already being asked of Rosenior. There were always doubts regarding his pedigree for the job. Unfortunately, the critics are being proven right.
Rosenior is starting to look out of his depth. Chelsea need a big push to get over the finish line and qualify for the Champions League. Instead, they are getting worse over time.
While criticism of Rosenior is fair, at the same time, one cannot overlook the circumstances he finds himself in. Is he good enough? That is still up for debate. That being said, not many think that this Chelsea team is good enough. Further, they have been left weakened, which was felt against Newcastle United.
Rosenior confirms fresh injury setback for Chelsea after losing to Newcastle United
Chelsea were without Estevao and Pedro Neto against Newcastle United. The former is still out injured. The latter was serving a suspension. Jamie Gittens was expect to return to the bench and add to the Blues’ options on the flank.
Come match day, Gittens was missing once again though. And Rosenior has dropped an update on the winger’s situation, as he has suffered another setback.
According to The Standard, Rosenior said: “I’ll never make excuses. Injuries are a part of the season, but you’re missing three of our most important players in terms of unlocking a low block, which is your wingers.
“Jamie (Gittens) was due back on the bench, and he felt his hamstring late after training yesterday so we’re just checking up on him.”
Gittens suffers injury setback as things get worse for Chelsea
Gittens was signed by Chelsea in a £52 million move in the summer from Borussia Dortmund. So far, he has not made much of an impact in a Royal Blue jersey.
I do not think he would have made a world of difference if he had been available against Newcastle United, especially coming off an injury. That being said, there is no doubt that he would have provided a different option.
Alejandro Garnacho was not effective against Newcastle United’s low block. And Chelsea did not even show enough urgency to suggest they were desperate for way past it.
Things are not looking bright for Rosenior, that is for sure. I am certain that the Chelsea owners will continue to back him, even if he is unable to qualify for the Champions League this season. But we all know sooner or later, their patience will run out. Or there will be some disagreement behind the scenes. This is a movie we have seen multiple times already. It always has the same ending.
Thomas Tuchel. Graham Potter. Mauricio Pochettino. Enzo Maresca. Rosenior won’t be too keen to join that list anytime soon. But if results don’t improve, that is pretty much an inevitability.
