Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Exit Under Rosenior Sparks Tactical Debate

LONDON (Azat TV) – Chelsea’s promising start under new manager Liam Rosenior has hit its first significant hurdle with a Carabao Cup semi-final exit to rivals Arsenal, a defeat that has ignited considerable debate over Rosenior’s tactical decisions. The Blues fell 4-2 on aggregate to Mikel Arteta’s side, losing the second leg 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium on February 10, 2026, following a 3-2 first-leg defeat at Stamford Bridge on February 4. The outcome has prompted sharp criticism from football pundits, forcing Rosenior to defend his approach in what many consider his biggest managerial test to date.

Rosenior, who took the helm at Chelsea less than a month ago, had enjoyed a strong initial run, securing six wins in seven games, with the first leg against Arsenal being his only prior defeat. However, the semi-final clash saw Chelsea adopt a cautious strategy, particularly in the decisive second leg, which ultimately failed to overturn the deficit and secure a place in the final for Arsenal.

Rosenior’s Defensive Gambit Against Arsenal

In the crucial second leg at the Emirates, Liam Rosenior deployed an eyebrow-raising starting XI, featuring five defenders, with Liam Delap and Enzo Fernandez positioned on the wings. This setup was widely perceived as a defensive gambit, designed to contain Arsenal and then introduce attacking threats later in the game. Chelsea, needing to score to advance, managed only two shots on target throughout the match, waiting until added time to apply significant pressure before Kai Havertz sealed the tie with a late goal for Arsenal.

Pundits were quick to question Rosenior’s cautious strategy. Speaking on Sky Sports, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson expressed his astonishment. ‘I’m flabbergasted. I can’t believe what I’ve just watched. Chelsea have World Cup winners, this is not a bottom-five team,’ Merson stated, criticizing the Blues for not taking enough risks. He added that players would likely have regrets for not having ‘a go.’ Fellow pundit Jamie Redknapp echoed these sentiments, calling the game ‘a tough watch’ and suggesting Chelsea lacked urgency. ‘You’ve got to throw caution to the wind, you’ve got to get the ball into the box, you’ve got to be thinking ‘no regrets after this game’,’ Redknapp observed.

Manager Defends Strategic Choices

Despite the widespread criticism, Liam Rosenior defended his team’s performance and tactical plan. He emphasized that there were ‘clear improvements’ and that his team ‘needed to make sure we gave ourselves the best chance.’ Rosenior also suggested that the outcome did not reflect the tactical execution. ‘I felt we dominated in the second half, the game just didn’t go the way we wanted it to,’ he explained, noting the various aspects of football beyond just the result. He also directly addressed punditry, stating that being a pundit is ‘easy — I’ve been one.’

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah offered insight into the team’s internal perspective, telling Sky Sports that the manager had instructed them not to rush and to believe they had the full 90 minutes to turn the tie around. Even Arsenal’s Declan Rice acknowledged Chelsea’s performance, suggesting they would have scored on another day. Rosenior’s plan involved bringing on attacking players like Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian in the second half to shift the emphasis, though these substitutions ultimately did not yield the desired goals.

Rosenior’s Broader Impact and Future Challenges

The Carabao Cup semi-final loss marks a challenging moment in Liam Rosenior’s nascent tenure at Chelsea, but it does not define his overall impact so far. Since replacing Enzo Maresca, Rosenior has quickly instilled a competitive spirit, leading the team to six victories in seven matches. Chelsea remains in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League and has qualified for the last-16 of the Champions League, with knockout ties scheduled for March.

Rosenior has openly discussed his philosophy of squad rotation, stating, ‘I don’t have a best 11.’ He believes in utilizing the full squad to manage the physical demands of competing in multiple competitions, highlighting the significant impact his substitutes have made in recent games, including dramatic 3-2 wins over West Ham and Napoli. However, the manager is also currently managing player availability, with Moises Caicedo suspended and decisions pending on Cole Palmer, Malo Gusto, and Reece James, all of whom are being managed to prevent injury risks. Additionally, 18-year-old Estevao is on compassionate leave in Brazil, with no set timetable for his return, further impacting squad depth.

The Carabao Cup exit serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in elite football, particularly when implementing new tactical approaches under high pressure. While Rosenior’s defensive strategy against Arsenal drew significant criticism, it also reflects a manager willing to experiment and adapt, a quality that will be crucial as Chelsea navigates the demanding schedule across three remaining competitions.