Five consecutive losses in the Premier League. In that inning, they scored zero points and conceded 11 runs. They have lost seven of their last eight games across all competitions. There have been no clean sheets in the last 12 league games since January 17th. Is the Chelsea board convinced? Indeed, Liam Rosenior has to deal with a number of injuries. They were without Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer in the 3-0 defeat against Brighton. But is zero shots on target acceptable? no. Can this mediocre performance be forgiven? no. Will this demotion-worthy form be allowed? no.
With nearly 15 minutes remaining, the away end was deserted, and at that point the Seagulls were still only 2-0 up. This tells you how Chelsea’s fan base feels. However, when asked if he felt supported by the board, he said before the match: “100 percent. The board supports me in daily conversations. We are all united because we know we need to win football matches right now.” The 41-year-old manager has been in charge of 23 games and currently has 11 wins and 10 losses. He has the second-worst Premier League record of any Chelsea manager this century, behind only Graham Potter. He needs to win, and fast.
In the first half against Brighton, his xG was just 0.04. This was lower than his predecessor, Enzo Maresca, achieved in 114 first-half Premier League games during his time as manager. Again, is the Chelsea board convinced? Because it’s been 476 minutes since I last found the internet. Considering the money they’ve spent over the last few years, this is unacceptable.
Perhaps the hierarchy tells Rosenia one thing, and in private they have a completely different conversation. The 41-year-old has been handicapped by both injury and Chelsea’s transfer policy, which has sparked protests outside Stamford Bridge in recent days. But Rosenior was handed the job in January on a ridiculous five-and-a-half year contract with the task of securing Champions League qualification. It seems unlikely that he will be able to achieve that goal.
When he took over, Chelsea were also in the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League. They remain in the FA Cup, but a semi-final defeat to Leeds United at Wembley on Sunday will surely mean the end of his tenure.
Defeat at Brighton leaves the Londoners eight points behind fifth-placed Liverpool with four games remaining. They have played more extra-time games than the Reds and still have to go to Anfield next month, where they haven’t won in front of fans since 2014.
A small miracle will be needed to qualify for the Champions League. Chelsea could still miss out on the competition even if they win all four of their remaining games. 4 wins in 4 games seems extremely unlikely. In fact, they are likely to lose all four games, especially given their current drought in front of goal.
Even when Chelsea finished a dismal 10th place as reigning champions in 2015-16, they won as many games as they lost (12). Currently 13 wins and 12 losses. For the first time since the 1995-96 season, when they finished 11th, they could end the season with more games lost than wins.
And Blues is now looking over his shoulder with a nervous look on his face. Bournemouth will leapfrog Chelsea if they can draw against Leeds tomorrow. Brentford are slightly behind on goal difference. Everton are 1 point behind. Sunderland, who sit in 11th place, could also overtake Rosenior’s side at the weekend.
Alarm bells must be ringing at Chelsea. And soon the board may make Rosenia look a little ridiculous. Because it won’t be long before he can maintain their 100 percent support, that’s for sure.
