Liam Rozenier almost nailed it during the match and definitely nailed it afterwards.
Sky pundit Paul Merson, a Chelsea fan, criticized Rosenior’s approach in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, saying it was “no mercy for Arsenal”.
Merson said: “They played in second gear. This is a cup semi-final, it’s a big fire! This isn’t a League One or League Two team coming to the Emirates to keep the score down, it’s having players mix it up with Arsenal. They had no choice. There are ways to lose. After losing this game 3-0 and scoring one goal after another, (you) would say, ‘That’s it.’ If you were a player, you would be sitting in the dressing room thinking, “We didn’t try.” ”
read more: Liam Rosenior reacts to Paul Merson’s brutal assault during Chelsea vs Arsenalread more: Martin Odegaard responds to Arsenal fans’ nerves with defiant Premier League title message
In response, Rosenior hit back a bit by saying that working as a TV pundit is “easy” and that he should know, having previously worked for Sky before devoting himself to a coaching career.
And the important thing here is that Chelsea stayed in the game. Rosenior later admitted that the idea was to stay level, make changes and even bring in players to win the game. In fact, they only needed one goal to force overtime, but that’s where they fell short.
It’s easy to laugh at it and say that’s all that matters. That’s also true. However, Chelsea actually had 14 shots on goal, Arsenal had 5, but both teams had just 2 shots on target.
To be honest, Chelsea didn’t look like they could score many points. We didn’t create enough clear chances. But it would be disingenuous to say they are pushing Arsenal back without applying pressure.
Cole Palmer, Estebao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho were on but frankly couldn’t make a difference.
Estebao went to Brazil and came back, desperately wanting to play despite clearly needing to return home due to pressing family matters. That’s a wonderful commitment.
João Pedro was a threat throughout the match and fought really hard. However, Chelsea continued to play a tense game, and although it was an intense game, they were unable to create the moments they needed.
That being said, Rosenior’s game plan kept them in it. That’s why his comments after the game made sense.
“If I go into a game attacking and press high and concede two goals early, everyone will say, ‘What is he doing?'” he said. “That’s the reality of my job. If you lose a game, you’re criticized; if you win, you’re a genius. Usually it’s somewhere in between.”
Actually, I think that’s correct. If Chelsea had targeted and left Arsenal open, Arsenal would have enjoyed the space and chances. It quickly became 1-0, then 2-0, and it was over.
Let me be clear here…Arsenal should have been out of sight in the first leg. Chelsea were missing key players and were depleted, and Arsenal had two incredible chances at 3-1. However, the result ended at 3-2.
Chelsea lacked the clinical edge needed to knock Arsenal out (Image: Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Since then, Chelsea have grown immeasurably and are now competing with Arsenal. Rosenior had only been in charge for 28 days when he led the team to Arsenal.
They are much better, improved and grown than the first leg. Coach Rosenior has coached eight games since taking over, with six wins and two losses. 2 losses? Both went to Arsenal. Arsenal are currently the best team in the league. An all-out attack is not possible.
Chelsea’s approach was reminiscent of what Arsenal did to Liverpool in 1989. They defended well, patiently, and waited for the final shot. It was the greatest title match in history.
The tactic paid off. George Graham played Blinder. Who played up front for Arsenal? Paul Merson.
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