Was Rosenior 'a tactical genius?'published at 09:48 GMT 2 February
09:48 GMT 2 February
Image source, Getty Images
Were Liam Rosenior changes on Saturday tactical masterstrokes or was the way Chelsea started the game against West Ham just a big error?
A limp first-half display from the Blues meant the Hammers went in at half-time with a deserved 2-0 lead, but Rosenior responded by making three substitutions that ultimately inspired the 3-2 comeback.
Pundits on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast debated whether it was "genius" or naivety from the new Chelsea boss.
"Tactical genius," said former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker. "As a coach or manager, you make decisions and you have to stand by them, but when you are watching the game play out, you can't be scared to make changes.
"That is what the modern game has become. Managers have to make proactive changes and that is what he did. For that, I would give him full credit."
Former Chelsea and Scotland winger Pat Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live: "Rosenior went back to not exactly Chelsea's best team, but what Chelsea knew and the system they feel comfortable in.
"It now feels like tactical genius because they have won."
What fans want on deadline daypublished at 07:32 GMT 2 February
07:32 GMT 2 February
Media caption,
We asked you what still needs to happen before the transfer window closes at 19:00 GMT on Monday.
Here are some of your comments:
Nick: The transfer I think many Chelsea fans would like to see is that of ownership to people or organisations who care deeply about the club and the sport.
Ahmed: Chelsea need experienced and volatile defenders like Marcos Senesi and Jacobo Ramon to bolster and ensure the success of a side currently battling with defensive errors. Also, clinical finishers are fundamental to be able to compete strongly in the Premier League - even top six is no longer easy.
Chris: We need a new keeper, central defender and a world-class striker to replace Delap, who is a complete waste of space. I'm a bit worried Rosenior rates Badiashile so highly, particularly after all the mistakes he made against West Ham. He needs replacing too!
Robin: We are still light on goalscorers, even though Joao Pedro seems to have turned a corner. We should go all out to sign Julian Alvarez from Atletico before someone else does and we regret it.
John: Two centre-backs and a keeper. It's easily the weakest part of our team. Obviously, the owners won't buy any established players in those positions, but that's what we need.
Andy: Chelsea need to strengthen their centre-back position with Jeremy Jacquet.
Clayton: Chelsea have everything they need right now to continue progression while still being able to keep the squad happy. Do not panic buy defenders - Colwill isn't far off return and Acheampong just needs some trust. Sarr, Fofana and Chalobah are great back-up and more than enough. Badiashile needs work but does show potential and Hato also shows really good promise. The purchase of Garnacho is a great example of buying for a position when not needed (George, anyone?).
Blues open to bringing planned summer deal forwardpublished at 07:18 GMT 2 February
07:18 GMT 2 February
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea remain open to accelerating a major deal originally planned for the summer, with a centre-back, central midfielder or attacker all under consideration before Monday's transfer deadline.
The most prominent target was Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, but the Frenchman is now on the verge of a £60m move to Liverpool for next season.
It leaves Chelsea without any known major incoming deals this stage, despite a willingness to do so if the right player becomes available. Instead, central defender Aaron Anselmino is joining Strasbourg on loan so Mamadou Sarr can return to Chelsea to reunite with head coach Liam Rosenior, who joined from the French club in early January.
Chelsea's recent interest in Douglas Luiz, now on loan at Aston Villa, shows that central midfielders are also being considered, while the Blues also checked the conditions to sign now-Manchester City winger Antoine Semenyo back in December.
However, Chelsea have other outgoings, with Axel Disasi, Tyrique George and David Datro Fofana set to leave on loan or make permanent moves. George is close to joining Everton for the rest of the season. Winger Raheem Sterling was released from his lucrative contract last week.
There could also be departures from the academy, including Jimi Tauriainen, Sam Rak Sakyi and Ato Ampah.
Follow transfer deadline daypublished at 07:01 GMT 2 February
07:01 GMT 2 February
Today is the final chance of the season for your Premier League team to do transfer business.
The window closes at 19:00 GMT, meaning teams - and fans - can avoid the usual late-night transfer scramble.
It has already been a busy window - for some teams anyway - but whether it turns out to be a day of transfer action or a pretty quiet one for your club, you will be able to keep across it all on BBC Sport.
Jack: An exciting second half and all credit to the substitutions who saved the day. Pleased Liam Rosenoir got an another big win. Unfortunately, the gulf between our starting XI and the others is getting bigger. They're not up to snuff and it makes rotating the squad impossible.
Tony: Stop playing Benoit Badiashile. He's so nervous and not a good defender. He makes me nervous, never mind his team-mates.
Simon: Disjointed. I'd like to see continuity in the team selection. Players are selected by rotation and a misguided sense of fair play when they are clearly deficient. This is just wrong. I don't care if they are costing a lot. If they're not good enough then they shouldn't play. Put out your best team each time.
Fossie: The classic game of two halves. Rosenior got it wrong in the first half but definitely got it right in the second half. He is quick to see where changes are required and he got it spot on to turn the game around. A good win and sets it nicely for Arsenal.
Ron: A good win for Chelsea - however, I feel West Ham deserved a point. As a Cole Palmer fan, I have to admit something is seriously missing from his game. He is playing everything safe and not taking risks. If he wants to go to the World Cup he is going to have to up his game or he will be left behind.
West Ham fans
Martin: I wasn't expecting much beforehand, but we went in after 45 minutes two goals up and playing well. It's the hope that kills you in the end. Rosenior changed things to get back in the game; Nuno didn't change things to manage it. He waited until they were all over us and we lost the initiative. Nuno's conservatism cost us. We can't defend properly so we may as well attack. A point, maybe even three, thrown away.
Jimmy: Excellent in the first half and very poor in the second half. This is another loss down to Nuno's negative substitutions and very poor in-game management, which handed the initiative to Chelsea. OK, take Pablo Fornals off, but replace him with either Callum Wilson or a holding midfielder - not Max Kilman, who just creates havoc in the defence. This gap gave Chelsea space in midfield and invited them on to us. Nuno's rabbit-in-the-headlights approach when we take the lead will get us relegated.
Harry: We have proven in the past four games what we can do to even the big teams in the Premier League. We just don't have the squad depth that they have and can't bring on four subs who can keep up the momentum we had in the first half or control the game. It's clear how desperate we need to invest in centre-backs. The past four games have given us all hope we can survive relegation and build more depth next season. In Nuno, we trust.
Dave: Nuno needs to understand that we don't have the defensive ability to just sit back and absorb pressure. If he was going to make any changes in the second half to contain Chelsea, bringing on Soungoutou Magassa or Freddie Potts in midfield was the answer. We sat back, conceded, brought on a centre-back who's barely ever had a decent game for us and then folded completely. So disappointing after a brilliant first half. Disappointing, but inevitable - Nuno does this all the time. Feels we have too much to do to get out now.
What needs to happen before transfer deadline?published at 09:04 GMT 1 February
09:04 GMT 1 February
It's transfer deadline day tomorrow, with the window closing at 19:00 GMT.
How would you assess Chelsea's window? Do you think any position needs more attention? If so, give us names of who should be brought in. And what about who needs to go?
How West Ham's collapse at Chelsea led to mass brawlpublished at 08:52 GMT 1 February
08:52 GMT 1 February
This content isn't available anymore.
There was an error
West Ham's Jean-Clair Todibo was shown a straight red card by referee Anthony Taylor for grabbing Chelsea's Joao Pedro by the neck in a wild melee at the end of the match after a lengthy VAR check.
The incident started when Joao Pedro reacted to Adama Traore's shove on Marc Cucurella, with both sets of players coming together in ugly scenes.
Match of the Day pundit Shay Given breaks down how West Ham's frustration in their loss to Chelsea, after being two goals ahead, led to an on-pitch scuffle and Todibo seeing red.
Meanwhile, the Blues and Liverpool are in talks with Rennes to sign 20-year-old French defender Jeremy Jacquet, but he will only move in the summer. (Fabrizio Romano), external
Chelsea are considering recalling defender Mamadou Sarr from his loan at sister club Strasbourg. (Sky Sports), external
Finally, Auxerre want to sign Blues forward David Datro Fofana. (L'Equipe), external
Chelsea 3-2 West Ham: What Rosenior, Cucurella and Joao Pedro saidpublished at 21:04 GMT 31 January
21:04 GMT 31 January
Media caption,
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "I'll make early changes. It's no disrespect to the players who came off - they are a massive part of our plans going forward - but I needed to change something because we weren't good enough.
"The team were tired, we covered high distances against Napoli because I asked them to press in a different way.
"We got back at 5am on Thursday. In training yesterday I kept the lads as light as possible to get energy into their legs. I'm learning too, I'm not the perfect manger."
On match-winner Enzo Fernandez: "The right person scored the goal. Enzo's performance was world class in terms of his energy, quality, bravery to take the second balls. He's a special player. But we need to make sure we rest."
On the comeback in the second half: "That's football - it was a game of two halves. West Ham were by far the better team in the first half. Our energy and quality wasn't there. We were lethargic, made tired decisions, our shape wasn't good enough and they deserved to be 2-0 up.
"But all of the things I asked of the players in terms of reacting to setbacks, I saw.
"Tactics went out of the window - it's about heart and spirit, fight and to hear the Stamford Bridge atmosphere, the fans got behind the players. Hopefully that can kick-start us into a really good end to the season."
Chelsea full-back Marc Cucurella, speaking to Sky Sports: "At half-time we spoke. In the end, it's about our mentality and the desire we showed in the second half. We are very happy.
"[Liam Rosenior] said it's about us. If we go to press, want the ball, play with confidence, we will get the chances to win.
"We have very good players and a very good team, since the start of the second half we showed a lot of energy and desire. If we play with this energy we are able to win at lot of games."
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, speaking to Sky Sports: "Sometimes this can happen, but we have a strong squad. We showed we are capable to do it, now we must look forward and continue.
"We knew our power. It's another special day. This team is very young but everyone trusts each other - this is our power. We can improve a lot, but this game is important to show the fans how strong we are."
Did you know?
Chelsea won a Premier League match having been two goals behind at half-time for the first time.
Rosenior became the fourth English manager to win his first three Premier League games in charge, after Bobby Gould in August 1992, Sam Allardyce in August 2001 and Craig Shakespeare (first five) in April 2017.
Analysis: Rosenior a modern-day Tinkermanpublished at 20:12 GMT 31 January
20:12 GMT 31 January
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea were booed off at half-time - but there was jubilation at the final whistle.
Such was the frustration at the interval that the normally mild‑mannered Trevoh Chalobah was seen arguing with a supporter as he left the pitch, with centre‑back partner Benoit Badiashile dragging him away.
It followed what was arguably Liam Rosenior's biggest misstep since joining Chelsea - his starting XI on Saturday evening.
Seven changes from the midweek win at Napoli left Chelsea disjointed, and West Ham exploited the weaknesses.
The first goal came after Alejandro Garnacho and Jorrel Hato lost 50‑50 duels with Jarrod Bowen and Aaron Wan‑Bissaka respectively, while the second resulted from the £40m summer signing from Manchester United failing to track his runner into the box.
All three players on the left side of Chelsea's defensive set-up were withdrawn at half-time - and the game was transformed.
Chelsea may have vast resources, but the biggest area where Rosenior has already made an impact is with his in‑game management - an aspect for which his predecessor Enzo Maresca was often criticised.
Against Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, Garnacho was the saviour with two goals from the bench to keep Chelsea in the tie, while Rosenior's changes helped lock the door for a clean sheet his first league win as head coach against Brentford.
At Napoli, Cole Palmer came on to provide two assists as Chelsea came from 2‑1 down to win 3‑2 in a fierce Champions League atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
On each occasion, Rosenior made substitutions before the 60-minute mark, highlighting his tendency to make early changes.
It is now six wins from seven for Rosenior, with the chance for another comeback on Tuesday in the second leg at Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi‑final, where Chelsea must overturn a 3‑2 deficit to reach February's final.
Chelsea deals that could happen in next 48 hourspublished at 17:58 GMT 31 January
17:58 GMT 31 January
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea are working on a series of departures from Stamford Bridge and could also complete one significant incoming deal.
The Blues remain interested in Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, either as a signing this month or in the summer.
Everton have expressed interest in taking Tyrique George on an initial loan, while Aaron Anselmino had talks over his future after Chelsea's match at home to West Ham on Saturday.
Anselmino is being lined up for a loan move to sister club Strasbourg, which is under the same ownership.
If Chelsea are unable to secure Jacquet, there has been talks around recalling Mamadou Sarr from Strasbourg to link up again with former head coach Liam Rosenior.
AC Milan and West Ham are among the clubs keen on signing Axel Disasi on loan, with further suitors expected to come forward.
Auxerre have shown interest in taking David Datro Fofana on loan, but Chelsea are understood to prefer a permanent sale of the striker.
The Blues are also not ruling out deals to sign a forward or a midfielder as they leave their options open to accelerate deals for summer targets to improve the squad in January.
West Ham make just one change from their 3-1 win at home to Sunderland last weekend.
El Hadji Malick Diouf comes in for Ollie Scarles at left-back after his seven-match absence due to his Africa Cup of Nations tournament success with Senegal.
Adama Traore also makes the bench for the first time since joining from Fulham.
West Ham XI: Areola; Diouf, Todibo, Mavropanos, Wan-Bissaka, Summerville, Fernandes, Soucek, Bowen, Pablo, Castellanos
Subs: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Kilman, Scarles, Kante, Potts, Magassa, Adama, Wilson
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Brighton v Everton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Chelsea v West Ham", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Chelsea v West Hampublished at 11:09 GMT 31 January
11:09 GMT 31 January
What a great result Chelsea had against Napoli in the Champions League on Wednesday.
I know Napoli have been no great shakes in Europe but they still rarely lose at home and that was a statement win for Liam Rosenior, which should silence some of his doubters.
As for West Ham - well, who knows what to expect? After looking hopeless a few weeks ago, they have had a couple of wins and are three unbeaten.
I just wonder if Chelsea might be a bit fatigued after midweek, and this could be quite tight, but I still think they will win it.
'A perception‑shattering moment of aggression and dominance'published at 07:55 GMT 31 January
07:55 GMT 31 January
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Fernando Torres was widely regarded as the Premier League's best striker at the time, so Chelsea's 2011 January deadline day move for him felt like an act of both aggression and dominance.
The club threw their weight around by spending a then British transfer record of £50m to sign Liverpool's outstanding player – aside from perhaps Steven Gerrard – at a moment when Liverpool, long past their glory years of the 1980s, nevertheless appeared to be rebuilding.
It underlined how Chelsea, who had previously bid for Gerrard and later Wayne Rooney, were willing to use Roman Abramovich's vast resources to pursue almost any player they wanted.
It was a perception‑shattering moment in terms of what was possible between two of English football's biggest clubs.
However, Torres struggled at Chelsea.
It was my feeling that the damage may have been done at Liverpool as he seemed to play every game under Rafael Benitez with no suitable back-up option in the squad.
His fitness wasn't at a high enough level upon moving to Stamford Bridge and that price tag brought ridicule when he couldn't perform.
I witnessed several poor performances both in person and from afar, yet his goal against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on the way to winning the Champions League in 2012 ensured he remains fondly remembered by the club's supporters.
Chelsea v West Ham: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 18:51 GMT 30 January
18:51 GMT 30 January
Chris Adams BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior is aiming to become just the fourth English boss to win his first three Premier League games when his side host West Ham United at Stamford Bridge for this London derby on Saturday (17:30 GMT).
The fifth-placed Blues, who this week released four-time title-winner Raheem Sterling, boast an enviable record when east visits west, losing just one of their past 19 home league games against the Hammers.
Ominously for the visitors, Chelsea have won the past four league games between the two clubs by an impressive aggregate score of 15-2.
Blues' South American swagger
There was a real South American flavour to Chelsea's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace last week, with Argentina's Enzo Fernandez and Brazil's Estevao Willian and Joao Pedro all on the scoresheet.
The latter has enjoyed a sparkling start to life in west London after signing from Brighton for an initial £55m in the summer, leading the way for goals scored and goal involvements since his debut in July.
His countryman Estevao teed him up against Palace, having opened the scoring to end his own run of 11 league games without a goal. In doing so, aged 18 years and 276 days, he became the youngest player to score and assist in a top-flight game since Brighton's Evan Ferguson in January 2023.
Hammers' time?
Back-to-back league wins for just the second time this season may have provided West Ham with the shot in the arm they need if they are to overcome the five-point gap to Nottingham Forest in 17th place.
Although it's now 20 league games without a clean sheet for Nuno Espirito Santo's side - the joint worst record in Europe's top five leagues - the two shots on target they faced in last week's 3-1 win over Sunderland was the fewest they have allowed in a game all season.
Their return to form has coincided with three in goals in as many games for Crysencio Summerville, who had failed to find the net in his previous 28 appearances. The 5ft 7in Dutchman produced an almighty leap to head home Jarrod Bowen's cross for the opener last week and help his team-mate to a club record.
Bowen for another record
Club captain Bowen, who later squeezed home a penalty, has now pulled clear of Michail Antonio as the Irons player with the most goal involvements in the Premier League (63 goals, 40 assists).
The England forward is just five shy of equalling Antonio's goalscoring record of 68 and will be looking for help in reaching that target from Spain winger Adama Traore, who signed from Fulham this week.
Alongside just three wins in 12 at London Stadium, the Hammers have fared badly elsewhere in the capital this campaign.
They edged Spurs 2-1 in their last all-London affair in the league, having lost their first six this season, and haven't won consecutive derby matches since the 2021-22 campaign, when they beat none other than Spurs and Chelsea.
Image source, Getty Images
