Rosenior's Chelsea Debut Sparks Fireworks as Blues Demolish Charlton in Stunning Fashion

Liam Rosenior celebrated success in his debut match as Chelsea boss as the Blues secured their place in the FA Cup fourth round with a commanding 5–1 triumph over Charlton.

While traveling supporters continued expressing their discontent with the club's ownership, Rosenior and his rotated Chelsea squad executed their duties effectively on the field. Jorrel Hato thundered home a brilliant opening goal just before the interval, before Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Guiu found the net on either side of Charlton's brief reply.

With the contest effectively settled, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández both scored during added time to propel Chelsea comfortably into the draw for the following round.

Chelsea's new head coach implemented some of his tactical philosophy in a promising initial showing from the manager, though more definitive assessments will emerge following Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final opening leg versus Arsenal.

Chelsea Player Ratings vs. Charlton (4-2-3-1)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Filip Jörgensen—7.2: Remained relatively untroubled throughout the match. Made an exceptional stop that was unfortunately followed up for Charlton's consolation goal.

RB: Josh Acheampong—8.0: An exceptionally solid display from the young defender, who appeared confident in both defensive and attacking phases. Advanced frequently and linked up effectively with Gittens in front of him.

CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—8.2: Had minimal defensive work to handle but didn't always distinguish himself. Finished his opportunity nicely early in the second period.

CB: Benoît Badiashile—7.3: Appeared quite anxious initially as he received a booking and cautiously retreated from another confrontation shortly afterward. Allowed the ball to bounce excessively.

LB: Jorrel Hato—8.2: Operated defensively as a left-back but pushed forward into central midfield when attacking. Positioned himself excellently and executed his strike with genuine class. A magnificent way to mark his Chelsea debut goal.

DM: Moisés Caicedo—8.5: Displayed his characteristic energy as he moved around to disrupt Charlton's infrequent counter-attacking opportunities. Appeared very settled with Santos as his partner.

DM: Andrey Santos—8.1: Worked effectively alongside Caicedo as the additional strength and defensive support meant the Ecuadorian didn't need to perform at extraordinary levels.

RM: Jamie Gittens—7.5: Participated in virtually every attacking move during his time on the field as he troubled Charlton's left flank. Often disappointed with his final delivery but showed very positive signs under Rosenior's guidance.

AM: Facundo Buonanotte—8.2: Granted considerable license to move throughout Chelsea's attacking third and attempted to capitalize with some intelligent distribution, but found it difficult to penetrate Charlton's compact defense.

LM: Alejandro Garnacho—6.4: Obviously followed directions to maintain maximum width consistently. Appeared disconnected and observed as Gittens dominated possession on the opposite flank.

ST: Marc Guiu—8.2: Worked hard physically but managed only nine touches in the opening period, though one provided the assist for Hato's opener. Enhanced his performance after halftime and demonstrated excellent predatory instincts for his goal.

Subs not used: Robert Sánchez (GK), Trevoh Chalobah, Dário Essugo, João Pedro.

Charlton (3-1-4-2)

Starting XI: Will Mannion; Keenan Gough, Lloyd Jones, Amari'i Bell; Conor Coventry; James Bree, Greg Docherty, Sonny Carey, Tyreece Campbell; Miles Leaburn, Charlie Kelman.

Subs used: Karoy Anderson, Macaulay Gillesphey, Joe Rankin-Costello, Tanto Olaofe, Harvey Knibbs.

Player of the Match: Enzo Fernández (Chelsea)

Charlton 1–5 Chelsea: How it Unfolded at The Valley

Chelsea supporters required several moments to decipher their team's formation. Initially presented as a 4-2-3-1, it quickly evolved into a three-center-back system in possession, with left-back Hato operating in attacking midfield and Alejandro Garnacho stationed on the wing.

It was Charlton, nevertheless, who created the more impressive opening to the match. The home side showed courage and sought to exploit some evident Chelsea jitters before the game was suspended 10 minutes in due to a medical incident in the stands.

Following a five-minute interruption, Chelsea nearly took the lead. Facundo Buonanotte's delivery found Hato unmarked in the penalty area, but the Dutch player couldn't direct his header properly and Charlton goalkeeper Will Mannion made the stop. A low drive from the energetic Jamie Gittens was easily handled shortly thereafter.

Chelsea started to demonstrate their superior quality as the half developed amid a soundtrack of anti-ownership songs from the visiting fans who had opened the game by paying tribute to former owner Roman Abramovich.

Josh Acheampong's long-range effort forced a diving save from Mannion, as did another attempt from Gittens in first-half injury time, but nothing could prevent the powerful half-volley from Hato that gave the Blues the advantage at the break.

Charlton weathered a penalty area melee and a potential handball incident within the opening 90 seconds of the second half, but Chelsea would quickly secure their second goal. Tosin found room to connect with a set piece from Buonanotte and guided his header past Mannion. Chelsea supporters responded with additional anti-Clearlake chants.

Alejandro Garnacho curled wide while seeking the third goal but, surprisingly, that honor went to the home team as Miles Leaburn powered home the rebound from an outstanding Filip Jörgensen save after 57 minutes.

Despite the home crowd urging their team forward, Chelsea drained the atmosphere from The Valley just moments later. Guiu reacted quickest to a parried save and hammered the ball into an empty net to restore Chelsea's comfortable margin.

Liam Delap mishit an excellent opportunity for a fourth and Mannion did well to tip an Enzo Fernández shot over the crossbar as Chelsea maintained their pressure. Estêvão contributed to the attempt count with several efforts of his own.

As the mist started to roll in, substitute Pedro Neto fired home a fourth during stoppage time, displaying some skillful footwork to create the space required to deceive Mannion and seemingly put the finishing touch on a routine victory for Chelsea before Estêvão earned a penalty moments later.

Enzo Fernández stepped up for the final kick of the match, and the beloved Argentine converted confidently from the spot to send supporters home satisfied.

Charlton vs. Chelsea Half-Time Stats

Charlton vs. Chelsea Full Time Stats