Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior praises his team’s performance in a 3-1 win at Crystal Palace, calling it a ‘huge test’ passed as they climb to fifth
CHELSEA manager Liam Rosenior said his team passed a “huge test” with their 3-1 Premier League victory at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The win extended Rosenior’s impressive start, giving him four wins from five games in all competitions since taking charge.
“It’s one game. We have to make sure that we’re consistent in every game we play,” Rosenior said after the match.
Estevao Willian opened the scoring in the 34th minute before providing the assist for Joao Pedro after the break.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez added a third from the penalty spot, with Chris Richards scoring a late consolation for Palace.
The home side’s Adam Wharton was sent off in the second half during a difficult period for the club.
Rosenior, 41, is the first Chelsea boss since Graham Potter to take six points from his opening two top-flight matches.
He admitted when hired that he needed to hit the ground running to silence critics questioning his appointment from sister club Strasbourg.
“I’m not thinking about being relieved or how I’m feeling,” Rosenior stated. “I’m just focused on the job.”
The victory lifts Chelsea to fifth place in the race for next season’s Champions League qualification.
Rosenior was pleased with his players’ execution after changing the team’s shape for the match.
“I think today was a huge test,” he explained. “95 per cent of the press and 95 per cent of the positioning was absolutely perfect.”
Chelsea now travel to Napoli for a crucial Champions League group stage match on Wednesday.
A defeat would likely force them into a play-off round to reach the last 16.
Despite the strong start, Rosenior is refusing to get carried away with early success.
“We’ve got another huge game on Wednesday. I keep saying you can’t get carried away,” he added.
The manager also noted he was unhappy with the team’s performance in the final 10 minutes at Selhurst Park.
