Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is enjoying life in the Blues dugout, wrapping up another fine managerial performance with a win over London rivals, Crystal Palace.
The Blues made the short trip to Selhurst Park for their gameweek 24 clash with the Eagles and dominated a game that they had struggled to dominate in recent seasons.
Teenage sensation Estevao Willian, João Pedro and Enzo Fernandez made sure that the Blues danced and laughed on the bus ride home after the game. They conceded a goal in between the efforts of these three, however, it was not enough to cause them too much worry in the game or after it.
Rosenior, who took over from Enzo Maresca a little over three weeks ago, has shown a solid tactical awareness of English football systems, despite this being his first senior managerial role in the country. Critics are beginning to take notice of his tactics, and the manager is enjoying life at the moment.
Speaking after the emphatic win over Palace, Rosenior said: “It was a top team performance away from home.
“What makes me so happy about Estevao’s goal was that all 11 men were behind the ball. That’s why he gets the space. The two second-half goals were great team goals.
“Some of our play, especially in the second half, was magnificent through the lines. It will improve with repetition. I like to see a change of speed but I also like to see intensity and hard work, and I was really pleased with those aspects.
“From Joao Pedro pressing, to Pedro Neto and Estevao, the two midfield players, Andrey Santos tactically, and then the defenders had to defend really well against the presence of [Jean-Philippe] Mateta. I’m so happy with the whole team.”
Rosenior deployed different tactics for the game. His shape saw midfielder Andrey Santos occasionally slotting in to help the Blues in defense, instead of helping to progress the game.
Asked about the decision, the former Strasbourg manager said: “It’s like a semi-four, semi-five at the back with Andrey in between. I’m lucky with Andrey because he’s done it for me before against Marseille and PSG last year.
“But for the other players, they’ve never played that shape before. The front three were outstanding in terms of the angles of their press. The beauty of having Andrey there is it allowed Moi to stay in the middle of the pitch.”
He then praised the rest of the team for adapting to his game plan, and called on them to be consistent so that the season ends well for them.
“For them to put on the performance they did from a tactical point of view – in just two days on the training pitch – makes me very pleased,” Rosenior said. “It’s a really good sign – 95 per cent of the press and the positioning were perfect. They’re engaged, they believe in what they’re doing, but it’s one game. We have to be consistent.”