FA Cup: Chelsea cruise past Charlton 5–1 as Liam Rosenior era begins
Chelsea opened a new chapter under head coach Liam Rosenior with a convincing 5–1 victory over Charlton Athletic in the FA Cup third round, overcoming early resistance before pulling away late at a sold-out Valley Stadium in south-east London.
Goals from Jorrel Hato, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez sealed a dominant performance from the Premier League side against their Championship hosts, who briefly threatened a comeback through Miles Leaburn.
Chelsea strike before the break
Charlton made an energetic start and created early openings through Lloyd Jones and Tyreece Campbell, but Chelsea soon asserted control of possession. Despite several saves from the home goalkeeper, the visitors struggled to break through until stoppage time at the end of the first half.
That changed when 19-year-old Jorrel Hato reacted fastest to a loose ball in the box and fired a powerful half-volley into the top corner to give Chelsea a 1–0 lead at the interval.
Second-Half goals decide the contest
Chelsea doubled their advantage five minutes after the restart when Tosin Adarabioyo met Facundo Buonanotte’s deep free-kick with a glancing header into the net.
Charlton refused to fold and were rewarded for their pressure when Miles Leaburn turned in a corner after Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen produced a fine save to deny Jones.
Any momentum the home side gained was quickly halted when Marc Guiu restored Chelsea’s two-goal cushion from close range.
With Charlton tiring, Chelsea’s bench made the difference. Pedro Neto struck in added time with a powerful finish before Enzo Fernandez converted a late penalty after Estevao Willian was fouled in the area.
Rosenior makes a winning start
The win marked a solid debut for Rosenior, who had rested Cole Palmer ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal. Despite chants aimed at the club’s ownership during the game, the result ensured a positive beginning for the new manager.
Chelsea now progress into the fourth-round draw, while Charlton exit the competition after a spirited showing against vastly stronger opposition.
What comes next
Charlton return to Championship action on Saturday when they host Sheffield United. Chelsea turn their focus to midweek with a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Arsenal, before returning to Premier League duty at home to Brentford.
SportsLigue